If Claude Debussy painted on canvas

He would of course be an impressionist. However, Debussy himself strongly disliked being called an impressionist composer. Despite that, impressionism is the first thing that may come to mind when you are listening to, say, “Reverie”. No need to say that Claude Debussy is the prominent master of creating dreamy music for piano, taking inspiration from then-popular movement symbolism.

Madame Monet and Child,  Claude Monet

Indeed, when the piece is playing, you are gradually descending into the calm world of daydreaming, and the repetitive sounds in the first part make you delve into it even deeper. “Reverie” is one of the earliest works by Debussy – composed in 1890 – that’s the time when he was still trying to decide which way to take as far as composing style. No recognizable tricks like explosions in style and texture yet, just lovely meditation music. As it turned out later, Reverie is also among the first works that had a tangible impact on the musicians’ world and earned its author a sign of impressive potential.

Here’s an ‘impressionist video’of Reverie and the score of arrangement for string quintet. Enjoy!