August’s composer of the month is Claude Debussy (klawd duh-byoo-SEE).
Born: August 22, 1862
Died: March 25, 1918
Five facts:
• Debussy was born in Saint-Germain-en-Laye (near Paris), and was the eldest of five children.
• In 1884, he won the Prix de Rome for his work, L'Enfant prodigue.
• The composer had an alter ego whom he referred to as "Monsieur Croche."
• One of his most famous works, Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune, wasn't a hit with everyone. After its premiere, one reviewer noted, "The faun must have had a terrible afternoon!"
• Debussy composed Children's Corner for his three year-old daughter, Claude-Emma, and when it was published, the following dedication was included: "To my dear little Chou-Chou, with her father's tender apologies for what is to follow."
Three important works:
• Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune (1894)
• La Mer (1905)
• Children's Corner (1908)
Audio Backpack playlist: Claude Debussy
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