DEBUSSY, CLAUDE ACHILLE

(1862-1918), a French composer, 6. in St. Germain-en-Laye. He was the leader of the modern school of extremists who reacted against old conventional forms and sought new methods of expre ion. In 1884 he paid a prolonged visit to Ru ia and there came under the influence of the Ru ian composers. At this time his early compositions had already earned him some popularity, but now followed a period during which he was regarded as little more than a freak. In 1902, however, his opera Pelleas and Melasande was produced, and although peculiarly unconventional, it immediately brought him back into public favor. He also composed La Mer, and other dramatic pieces, music to King Lear,