Profile of the Day: Claude Debussy

French composer Claude Debussy was born on August 22, 1862. Known as the first impressionist composer, Debussy is often regarded as one of the most influential composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Image: Bergen Public Library Norway, Flickr

Debussy was the eldest of five children born to Manuel-Achille Debussy and Victorine Manoury. His father ran a china shop and his mother worked as a seamstress. As a young child, Debussy began taking piano classes and soon it was clear to his teachers that Debussy possessed a great talent.

As a composer, Debussy developed his own use of harmony and distinct style that was never heard before. Although he was seen as the first impressionist composer during his lifetime, Debussy himself rejected the label. By the turn of the century, Debussy was one of the leading figures of French music. However, his life was cut short at the age of 55. Debussy died of cancer on March 25, 1918 in Paris.

Explore Claude Debussy’s family tree on Geni and share how you’re connected to the French composer.