Claude Debussy is without a doubt one of the most gifted composers of Impressionist classical music and is credited with having a great impact on present day composers. His unique style is attributed to the influence of Impressionist art and literature from the late 19th century and early 20th century. Despite winning various awards for composing and having conducted and performed in various European countries, it wasn't until the early 1900s that Debussy gained worldwide fame.
The Impressionist movement began in France during the latter part of the 19th century and extended into the beginning of the 20th century. Impressionism was a move away from the gaudy and excessive style of the Romantic period.