Claude Debussy was a remarkable French composer and one of the most leading figures associated with the domain of impressionist music along with Maurice Ravel. His marvelous contribution to the art of music won him the status of Chevalier of the ‘Legion of Honour’ in 1903. He dramatically disregarded the traditional chord structures and tonality and pioneered in penetrating into the modern era in Western music. His musical attributes echo sensory components not composed over one key or pitch and his compositions are sans any specific tempo or rhythm. He was triggered by the prevailing musical movement of ‘symbolism’ and his compositions fit into the impressionist genre of classical music akin to those of the visual art movements. Debussy’s works are an expression of the happenings and turmoil in his lifetime. His long unsuccessful affairs with several women kept him disturbed most of the times, mirrored in his works. His greatest works such as the revolutionary ‘Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune’ and ‘Pelléas et Mélisande’ and many others had an enduring influence on almost every major composer of the 20th century.
