Although the musical genius of French composer Claude Debussy (1862-1918) is universally accepted, his personal affairs have been constantly criticized and disputed for the past century. In this newly released biography, Paul Roberts adds an essential element to the extensive 20th Century Composer's series published by Phaidon Press. Roberts seeks to illuminate the mysterious life of Debussy and the controversy he continues to evoke.

Debussy was one of the most innovative composers of modern times, and his music changed the direction of classical composition away from the traditional and into the modern vein of the 20th century. Although his masterpieces are unique and intensely expressive of sensual experience, they are underpinned by his focused attention to detail and structural unity. His exploration of the wide range of emotional connection available through sound is unrelenting and exacting. However, despite his brilliant musical ability, he is often referred to as a man of dubious morals, underhanded ways, and inappropriate behavior. This aspect of his life is the key element that Roberts investigates throughout the book. He is fascinated by how such a harshly regarded man had the capacity to create some of the most beautiful and hauntingly sensual music of all time.

For anyone who enjoys or has played Debussy's music, this biography helps illustrate the events and people that shaped his perception of the world. Complete with photographs, excerpts of letters to and from friends, and commentary about Debussy by some of those who knew him best, the picture that Roberts paints of Debussy's life is well rounded and colorful.

This biography has much to offer the novice as well as the scholar. Roberts, a concert pianist and music teacher, brings his lifelong passion for Debussy's music into his writing and shares fully with the reader his own curiosity about the life of this great composer, giving the reader a true sense of Debussy as a man as well as a musical visionary.

---
© Copyright 2009, STRINGS