Born on August 22
Claude Debussy's Birthday
The composer who painted with sound.
Next: August 22, 2027
Where it comes from
Claude Debussy was born in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, on the edge of Paris, on 22 August 1862, and this Story marks his birthday. His father ran a china shop and his mother was a seamstress, but his gift at the piano showed early, and at about ten he entered the Paris Conservatoire.
How it's celebrated
There is no formal observance, but his birthday is a good excuse to listen. Start with 'Clair de lune', from the Suite bergamasque, then try La Mer, his portrait of the sea, or one of his piano Préludes.
Did you know
At the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1889 he heard a Javanese gamelan, and its sound echoes in 'Pagodes', a piano piece he wrote in 1903.
Read the full story of Claude Debussy's Birthday
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Leo · July 23 – August 22 · Fire sign
Warm, generous and made for the spotlight.