27th Annual Student Research Conference
Debussy Violin Sonata
Kathryn Byrd
Dr. Sam McClure, Faculty Mentor
The Violin Sonata in G minor (1917) was Claude Debussy's final composition. Debussy played the piano part himself at its premiere; this was his last public performance. This piece was composed at a very turbulent time of his life; World War I was raging on, he was dying of cancer, and his family had serious financial difficulties, all of which slowed the progress of its composition. Debussy intended this to be the third of a set of six sonatas for various instruments, but due to illness this was as far as he got. The Violin Sonata illuminates unique qualities of Debussy's compositions during this time; it shows his return to French nationalism in his music, elements of gypsy violin playing that he discovered during a trip to Budapest, and highlights his personal impressionistic style.
Keywords: Music, Sonata, Debussy, Violin
Topic(s):Music
Presentation Type: Performance Art
Session: 2-5
Location: OP Performance Hall
Time: 2:00