Album insights
Debussy wrote his only string quartet in 1893, marking his debut in chamber music. Influenced by Russian music, particularly Borodin, and César Franck's harmonic flow, the work succeeded after its premiere on December 29, 1893. Octave Maus described it as "extremely seductive and complex" in L’Art Moderne, applauding its charm and genius. Paul Dukas also praised its exquisite poetry and finesse. The quartet inspired young French composers, notably Ravel, who followed Debussy's lead in his own work. Initially featuring a modal theme dominating the piece, Debussy introduced a more lyrical motif later on. The quartet closes with a breathtaking finale, showcasing varied forms of its main theme.
In 1894, Debussy composed a "very free illustration" of Stéphane Mallarmé's poem, "L’après-midi d’un faune," capturing the Faun's desires in an innovative musical form. Pierre Boulez hailed this composition as a musical revolution, noting Debussy's boldness in challenging traditional forms. The piece brims with refined orchestral timbres, later arranged for various ensembles by different musicians. Debussy’s meticulous attention to tone and finesse shines through in subsequent orchestrations, echoing the subtleties of the original composition.
At the onset of World War I, Debussy's reflections on French music heritage spurred a series of instrumental sonatas. Amid failing health, he managed to complete three sonatas before his passing. Influenced by a Saint-Saëns septet performance, Debussy embarked on a sonata cycle, envisioned with intricate instrumentations and thematic arcs. The Cello Sonata, titled "Pierrot angry at the moon," referenced both past eras and contemporary music styles, masterfully navigating cyclical themes and ornate nuances. The Violin Sonata, the last to be completed, symbolized a tumultuous period for Debussy, reflecting a mix of storms and joy in its intricate structure and emotional depth.
Debussy's intense focus on form and tonal exploration reached a pinnacle with the Flute, Viola, and Harp Sonata, challenging conventional instrument combinations. The piece juxtaposes various moods and fragmented motifs, showcasing Debussy's vibrant orchestration. Each sonata, in its distinctiveness and multisensory essence, embodies a unique chapter of Debussy's artistic evolution, culminating in a legacy of innovation and introspection in the realm of chamber music.