"Suite Bergamasque" is one of the most famous piano works by Claude Debussy, who is considered one of the most important composers of the 20th century. The piece was started around 1890 and an initial version was published in 1891. However, the composer continued to work on it until 1905, and it was finally published with its definitive form consisting of four movements: Prélude, Menuet, Clair de Lune, and Passepied. Although the work was considered unusual and commercially less appealing during its composition periods, it has now become a masterpiece found in the repertoires of even the greatest pianists. Recordings of the piece have been made, and it is frequently preferred by performers and audiences in concert programs. Especially the 3rd movement, Clair de Lune, has become one of Claude Debussy's most famous piano works and one of the most renowned musical themes of all time. Widely accepted by a broad audience, it has been adapted for different instruments and ensembles. In this research, the innovations Claude Debussy brought to piano music, the composition process of Suite Bergamasque, the analysis of its four movements, and an exploration of other artistic realms that inspired the work have been targeted. Additionally, the connections between music, poetry, and art that influenced Debussy overall have been studied.
Keywords: Debussy, Impressionism, Suite Bergamasque, Piano, Music