Famous works · Impressionist
Clair de lune, from Suite bergamasque
Begun c. 1890 · published 1905
A moonlit piano piece and the best-known music of Debussy.
The story behind it
Its title comes from a poem by Paul Verlaine, whose verses Debussy loved and set to song.
Debussy began the Suite bergamasque around 1890 but revised it heavily before publishing it in 1905.
It shows his move away from traditional harmony toward colour and atmosphere.
What to listen for
- The soft opening in thirds.
- The rippling arpeggios of the middle section.