How Well Do You Know About Claude Debussy?

1. In which country was Debussy born and raised?

America

Germany

France

Russia

Debussy was born and raised in France. This is evident from his nationality and his cultural influences, which were primarily French. Additionally, Debussy's music is often associated with the French impressionist movement, further supporting the fact that he was born and raised in France.

Explanation

Debussy was born and raised in France. This is evident from his nationality and his cultural influences, which were primarily French. Additionally, Debussy's music is often associated with the French impressionist movement, further supporting the fact that he was born and raised in France.

2. What instrument did Debussy begin playing at age 7?

Flute

Clarinet

Oboe

Piano

Debussy began playing the piano at the age of 7.

Explanation

Debussy began playing the piano at the age of 7.

3. Debussy was a great sight-reader. Sight-reading means:

Reading things from far away

Using your eyes to read

Reading a piece of music you have never seen before

The correct answer is "reading a piece of music you have never seen before." Sight-reading refers to the ability to read and perform a musical piece on the spot without prior practice or familiarity with the composition. It requires quick interpretation and understanding of musical notation, tempo, dynamics, and other elements, allowing the musician to play the piece accurately and expressively. Debussy's proficiency in sight-reading implies his exceptional skill in quickly grasping and performing music he had never encountered before.

Explanation

The correct answer is "reading a piece of music you have never seen before." Sight-reading refers to the ability to read and perform a musical piece on the spot without prior practice or familiarity with the composition. It requires quick interpretation and understanding of musical notation, tempo, dynamics, and other elements, allowing the musician to play the piece accurately and expressively. Debussy's proficiency in sight-reading implies his exceptional skill in quickly grasping and performing music he had never encountered before.

4. While he was in school, he got in trouble a lot because he _________________.

Talked too much during class

Liked to compose his own way, not how his teachers wanted him to

Didn't raise his hand to speak

Was not a good listener

The correct answer suggests that the person got in trouble a lot in school because they preferred to do things their own way instead of following the instructions or guidelines given by their teachers. This behavior may have been seen as rebellious or disruptive, leading to disciplinary actions or reprimands.

Explanation

The correct answer suggests that the person got in trouble a lot in school because they preferred to do things their own way instead of following the instructions or guidelines given by their teachers. This behavior may have been seen as rebellious or disruptive, leading to disciplinary actions or reprimands.

5. Debussy was an Impressionist. An Impressionist writes music that is obviously about a certain subject, and you don't have to use your imagination at all to picture it.

True

False

The explanation for the given correct answer, which is False, is that Debussy was not an Impressionist. While he is often associated with the Impressionist movement in visual arts, his music does not fit the definition of Impressionism in music. Unlike visual Impressionism, musical Impressionism is not about depicting specific subjects or images. Debussy's music is characterized by its use of innovative harmonies, subtle nuances, and evocative atmospheres, which transcend literal representation and rely on the listener's imagination. Therefore, it is incorrect to label Debussy as an Impressionist composer in the musical sense.

Explanation

The explanation for the given correct answer, which is False, is that Debussy was not an Impressionist. While he is often associated with the Impressionist movement in visual arts, his music does not fit the definition of Impressionism in music. Unlike visual Impressionism, musical Impressionism is not about depicting specific subjects or images. Debussy's music is characterized by its use of innovative harmonies, subtle nuances, and evocative atmospheres, which transcend literal representation and rely on the listener's imagination. Therefore, it is incorrect to label Debussy as an Impressionist composer in the musical sense.

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