Second tier?

Yep

I love Debussy. Such a refreshing contrast coming after Wagner who attempted to describe the whole human psych with huge epics, Debussy painted beautiful imaginary worlds, escapism at its best. My favourite of his is L'isle Joyeuse:

Why 2nd tier?

Because I think less of him than the top-tier composers but I prefer him to third-tier composers. It's not complicated.

Sorry, I thought the shingle outside said Music Banter. Never mind.

I love his Afternoon of a Faune, but do notice there is point, near the climax, where I feel it's too bad he was still under the sway of the "tyranny of the barline"...unchanging meter. (Had to wait for Stravinsky for a remedy for that.) But Yeah...Debussed is a great composer. I love his stuff.

Debussy is my favourite classical composer bar none.

When I was taking piano lessons in my early teens, I had got accustomed to the idea that pieces that sounded fantastic on the piano must of necessity require a lot of practice and technical skill in order to play them. When my piano teacher introduced me to Debussy via Claire de Lune, I was astonished to discover that music did not have to be difficult to be beautiful. I'm not saying I could play it right through on first or second attempt, but actually getting the notes right was a much easier proposition than, say, Mozart or Chopin.

I think my favourite pieces were La Cathedrale Engloutie, Ballade, Reflets dans l'Eau, and Hommage a Rameau - but C de L is right up there too.

For orchestral works, I particularly love Iberia, with its evocation of the atmosphere of old Spain.

It's worth seeking out his piano preludes, of which there are two books, and two corresponding CD releases.

usually going to sleep with this playing tbh

"Syrinx" for solo flute another beautiful piece written by Debussy.