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Claude Debussy (1862-1918) began his first piano lessons when he was nine years old, and he showed early signs of musical talent. Before entering the Paris Conservatory at the age of 11, he studied with Antoinette Flore Maute, a former pupil of Chopin. During his Conservatory years he studied piano and composition, winning the coveted Prix de Rome for his cantata L'Enfant Prodigue. Debussy, who created a style called "musical impressionism," is considered one of the most important and innovative composers of his time. Although he did not write any symphonies or concerti, his operas, chamber music, orchestral works and large repertory of piano music were influenced by the painting and literature of his contemporaries. Among his better known works are Clair de Lune, Prélude à l'Après-midi d'un Faune and the Children's Corner Suite. During his most productive period, which spanned almost 20 years, he composed a major body of works ranging from short piano pieces and songs to the full-length opera Pélleas et Mélisande.
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