Achille Claude Debussy (1862-1918) was a French composer, critic, and conductor. His style, particularly his unique approach to harmony, was widely influential during the late 19th century. Responding to the influence of contemporary German music, Debussy experimented unceasingly with new methods of composition. In a visit to the 1889 World's fair, Debussy was exposed to Eastern cultures, and he became fascinated with traditional Asian music forms, particularly Indonesian gamelan. The influence can be heard in many aspects Debussy's music: his arrangements, his use of different acoustic sounds, and his use of pentatonic scales. Debussy also employed tonal ambiguity and shifts in tempo, creating a expanded sense of tension and contrast reflected in pieces such as Prelude to The Afternoon of a Faun.

This paper will discuss the Prelude and the techniques employed in its composition. It is divided into 4 sections:

1. A short biography of Debussy and the distinctive features of his music during different periods of his career

2. An examination of the motives underlying the Prelude, through documentary evidence

3. A musical analysis of the composition

4. A comprehensive interpretation of the work

「Chia-En Yang Flute Recital Program」

J. S. Bach: Sonata in E Major (1717-20) for flute and piano, BWV1035

Friedrich. Kuhlau: Introduction and Rondo (1829) for flute and piano, Op.98a

Paul Hindemith: Sonate (1936) f?卣 fl?尒e und clavier

Jean-Michel Damase: Sonata en Concert (1952) for flute, cello, and piano

Aaron Copland: Duo (1971) for fute and piano