Debussy - The Quiet Revolutionary

Library Journal

Lederer here offers another entry in the "Unlocking the Masters" series (see also his Chopin: A Listener's Guide to the Master of the Piano), this time guiding listeners through the music of Claude Debussy (1862–1918). Debussy is considered the father of the impressionist movement, and his style can be characterized by the use of woodwinds, parallel sixths, and the concept of providing the listener with a "feeling" more than anything. Lederer provides a short biography of the composer, followed by listener's notes for select Debussy songs, chamber works, and orchestral and opera compositions. The author explains Debussy's significance to early 20th-century music in the last chapter. Concertgoers with little or no classical music background will appreciate his journalistic style; more learned listeners will be left wanting more meat. Recommended for larger classical music collections in public libraries. (CD not available for review.)
—Brad Eden