Claude
Debussy

Claude Debussy (1862–1918) was a French composer. He developed a highly original system of harmony and musical structure that expressed in many respects the ideals to which the Impressionist and Symbolist painters and writers of his time aspired. He originally studied the piano, but found his vocation in composition, despite the disapproval of the Conservatoire's conservative professors. Nevertheless, in 1884 Debussy won France's most prestigious musical award, the Prix de Rome, with his cantata L'enfant prodigue. He took many years to develop his mature style, and was nearly 40 when he achieved international fame in 1902 with the only opera he completed, Pelléas et Mélisande. Debussy is widely regarded as one of the most influential composers of the 20th century.