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The Worlds of Gilbert and Sullivan

The French composer and critic, Achille-Claude Debussy was born in St Germain-en-Laye in 1862. His early schooling was virtually non-existent, but his musical talents were apparent at an early age. He had piano lessons with Mme Maute de Fleurville, and these led to his acceptance into the Paris Conservatoire at the age of 11.

something of a musical rebel, Claude's ideas of piano playing, musical theory and harmony were somewhat at odds with the college authorities! This tendency to innovate stayed with him throughout his life, and he became a trendsetter in the field of musical composition.

 Claude's domestic life was also erratic. He Married Rosalie (Lily) Texier in 1899, but deserted her five years later for the singer and banker's wife, Mme Emma Bardac. They married in 1905. Later he developed cancer but kept composing until he died in Paris in 1918.

Debussy's contribution to French music, and music in general was immense. He loved the music of Liszt, Verdi, Boito, and Wagner; but declined to follow their styles, and broke from the German and Italian influences of the time. He was a strong advocate of the 'Impressionist Movement' of art; and poets and writers such as Mallarme and the 'symbolists'. His knowledge of, and affection for, the American Negro music (and particularly Jazz) is often reflected in his own music.

He established a true French music style, which influenced many of his contemporaries and successors, and set new musical standards for the whole world. He was undoubtedly one of the greatest and most important of the composers of his time, both because of his own personal achievements, and by the openings he created for others to explore.

Claude Debussy, the critic, once said of our own Gilbert and Sullivan: There was no phase in the history of music to compare with the success of these comic operas. They were in reality comedy operas, not comic operas. Unlike Offenbach's operas-bouffes, Gilbert & Sullivan has outlasted all political changes. This was compliment indeed.

Here are a couple of his well known, and well loved, musical miniatures. Composed as piano pieces, both have been orchestrated by others. Click to hear our arrangements of the Golliwog's Cake Walk, and his equally famous Clair de Lune . . .

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