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French composer and leading figure of musical Impressionism, known for his innovative harmonies and evocative soundscapes. Debussy entered Paris Conservatoire at age 10, won the Prix de Rome in 1884, and revolutionized Western music with works like 'Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune' and the opera 'Pelléas et Mélisande'. His harmonic language broke from tradition, using whole-tone scales, parallel chords, and atmospheric textures.

• Debussy caused multiple scandals in his personal life: He abandoned his lover and model Gabrielle Dupont after 10 years to marry Rosalie Texier in 1899, then left Texier for wealthy banker's wife Emma Bardac in 1904, leading to Dupont's suicide attempt and Texier's divorce demands.
• His opera 'Pelléas et Mélisande' (1902) caused riots at premiere due to its radical departure from Wagnerian traditions, with critics calling it 'formless' while admirers hailed it as revolutionary.
• Debussy disliked the 'Impressionist' label for his music, stating: "I am trying to do 'something different'... what imbeciles call 'impressionism'."
• Died of rectal cancer during the 1918 German bombardment of Paris in World War I, with his funeral procession moving through deserted streets amid exploding shells.