I recently visited the Chicago Art Institute where I saw works by great Impressionistic artists Monet and Renoir. Impressionism is a 19th Century movement originating in Paris. It started as a movement of visual art, before catching on in literature and music. The style of art emphasizes movement and the changing qualities of light, often depicting ordinary subject matters such as scenery. The music focused on creating the tones and texture of sound that would describe a subject, rather than follow traditional melodic structures or composition styles.
Arguably the most well known composer during this movement is Claude Debussy. His more romantic and melodic works are commonly featured in films. For example, Clair de Lune is heard at the Bellagio fountain scene during the end of the heist in Ocean's 11. A quick IMDb search reveals 200 other credits of Debussy's works in films, majority of them being Clair de Lune. The Girl with the Flaxen Hair is another favorite due to its softness and soothing melodies.
However, other gems of impressionist music are not as popular in mainstream media. The main reason is they don't feature harmonies and melodies that are 'catchy'. Instead, they are composed of passages, chords, arpeggios that create a mood, or describe an object. For example, in Jeux d'eau "Water Game", Ravel masterfully uses the piano to convey the idea of water. The music allows you to envision the free falling water, flowing fast and slow, strings of tiny droplets at times, and a full force of the current during others.
Jeux d'eau composed by Maurice Ravel
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