Debussy and Musical Culture in Paris Around 1900

Module description

This module aims to promote an understanding of the rise of musical modernism centred on the career of Claude Debussy (1862-1918), who spent most of his life in Paris, “the capital of the nineteenth century” (Walter Benjamin). The module will encircle its topic from the perspective of the city, rebuilt by Haussmann after the 1848 revolution. On account of the strong French belief in the arts, and music’s influence in particular on public morale and politics, institutions exercised a disproportionate control over the commission, performance and evaluation of music, forcing composers to either comply with official demands or seek radical independence in a bohemian set-up. Hence, the Conservatory and Opera companies, but also the belief in art as a life-style, will play important roles in our discussion. Debussy’s use of non-European scales and formal devices should stimulate our interest in ‘world music’, just as his advocacy of a French national musical heritage should help us to consider the clear need of a historical and political consciousness at the time of World War I.

Assessment details

3000 word essay (60%) and 2 hour exam (40%)

Educational aims & objectives

a) To analyse a highly diversified musical language, which sought to be both French and avant-garde, in works by Debussy, but considering also works by Massenet and Ravel;

b) To explore the complexities of musicians’ careers in- and outside musical institutions;

c) To understand the musical, intellectual and political issues central to artistic life in Paris around 1900 (Wagnerism, Symbolism, Impressionism, Exoticism, Anarchism, Colonialism).

Learning outcomes

1. An awareness of musical modernism across the arts.
2. Introductory knowledge of the organisation of musical careers
3. The ability to analyse the basic structure of scores.

Teaching pattern

2-hour weekly lectures and 1-hour weekly tutorials

Module description disclaimer

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