Description
Debussy composed his masterful late works, including this cycle, in the summer of 1915. Withdrawing to a country house near Dieppe with his family, he composed with intense focus. The self-critical composer was immensely proud of his Études, declaring, "I confess that I am pleased to have created a work which – false vanity aside – will occupy a special niche. In point of technique these Études will usefully prepare pianists for a better understanding of the fact that the portals of music can only be opened with formidable hands." Today, Debussy's Études stand as a milestone for aspiring concert pianists.
