Debussy – Pélleas et Mélisande

Debussy completed only one opera, but it was quickly recognised as a masterpiece and indeed one of the great 20th-century works in the form. He took a long time, however, both to discover the right subject and to compose the piece. (…)

For all that, Pelléas is one of the most original and influential operas of its period. Its atmosphere is distinctive and indeed unique, a self-enclosed world where the characters often say one thing when they mean quite another. This sense of ambiguity is highlighted by Debussy’s complex and subtle harmony and his delicate use of orchestral colour throughout. Ironically, Maeterlinck’s play has largely disappeared from view – as if Debussy, in providing its precise musical equivalent, had left no need for it to continue to be performed. While we may regret that Debussy’s later operatic projects failed to reach completion, the one masterpiece we have has proved to be one of opera’s greatest achievements.

Programme note © George Hall