1894Reputable sourceWell documented
Debussy and Musical Impressionism
On the timeline · around 1894 · The Recording Age
What happened
With his Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune (1894), the French composer Claude Debussy opened a new sound-world of shimmering colors, floating harmonies, and unusual scales, loosening the grip of traditional keys. Often called 'Impressionism,' his music evoked mood and atmosphere more than dramatic argument.
Why it matters
Debussy's break with conventional harmony helped free Western music from the rules that had governed it for centuries, opening the door to the radical experiments of the twentieth century.
Sources
- World History Encyclopedia. Claude Debussy · Reputable source