Impressionist Composers: Debussy and Ravel

Music

• Claude Debussy, born August 22, 1862, in St. Germain-en-Laye, France, is known for his role in establishing Impressionism in music.

• Debussy attended the Paris Conservatory starting in 1873 and won the Prix de Rome in 1884.

• Composed approximately 227 works, notable pieces include "Clair de Lune" and "La Mer."

• Influenced by Chopin, Wagner, and Javanese Gamelan; recognized as "The Father of the Modern School of Composition."

• Passed away from cancer in Paris on March 25, 1918.

• Maurice Ravel, born March 7, 1875, in Ciboure, France, was a leading figure in Impressionism as well.

• Ravel entered the Paris Conservatory at age 14, studying music until his early 20s.

• Noted for several masterpieces, including the famous orchestral piece "Bolero."

• Known for perfectionism and innovative harmonic treatments, his works encompass around 60 for piano, chamber, and orchestral music.

• Died in Paris in 1937.

• Arnold Schoenberg, born September 13, 1874, in Vienna, Austria, is a pivotal figure in Expressionism and developed the twelve-tone technique.

• His music reflects extreme emotions, often unsettling and devoid of conventional harmonies.

• Notable works include "Pelleas und Melisande," "Three Pieces for Piano," and "Verklarte Nacht."

• Composed approximately 213 musical pieces, including concerti and orchestral works.

• Béla Bartók, born March 25, 1881, in Hungary, was a noted composer and ethnomusicologist.

• Began music lessons with his mother, entering the Budapest Royal Academy of Music in 1899.

• Bartók's first nationalistic composition was "Kossuth," written in 1903, and he published a collection of Hungarian folk songs in 1906.

• His compositions feature rich melodies and lively rhythms, with approximately 700 works created.

• Igor Stravinsky, born June 17, 1882, in Oranienbaum, Russia, was an influential trendsetter of the 20th century.

• Influenced by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, created the landmark "The Firebird Suite" in 1910 and "Petrouchka," noted for its shifting rhythms.

Arts

• Impressionism in visual arts, led by artists like Claude Monet, focused on capturing light and mood, as seen in Monet's "Impression, Sunrise."
• Dadaism emphasized the absurd and challenged traditional art conventions, highlighting shock and confusion rather than artistic beauty.
• Surrealism explored the unconscious mind, aiming to express dreamlike scenarios, represented by artists like Max Ernst and Marcel Duchamp.
• Futurism was an Italian movement glorifying technology and dynamic motion, with notable figures like Giacomo Balla and Natalia Goncharova.

Physical Education

• Caloric content in nutrients: carbohydrates provide 4 calories per gram, proteins 4 calories, and fats 9 calories.
• Total of 3,500 calories equals roughly 1 pound of body fat; understanding caloric intake is crucial for managing weight.
• Obesity is defined by excessive body fat accumulation, measured by BMI, leading to significant health risks including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Health and Consumer Awareness

• Medical quackery refers to fraudulent practices in healthcare; awareness of product safety is essential for consumers.
• Appeals in advertising include humor, scientific evidence, and emotional triggers to encourage product use.
• Consumer rights encompass the right to education, redress for faulty products, and a healthy environment.