At the age of 32, Debussy had not yet produced any of the masterpieces of impressionism for which he is known today. The premiere performance of Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun changed his future. This unique symphonic poem was based on an equally revolutionary poem published in 1876 by the French symbolist poet Stéphane Mallermé. In a dreamlike monologue, the poem describes the sensual experiences of a faun who, after waking from a nap, encounters several woodland nymphs. In its subtle orchestral color and radical departures from tonality, Debussy’s musical interpretation of the poem set a new standard for the French musical world.
Debussy turned to the paintings of the French impressi...