Which composer wrote 'Clair de Lune'?

Claude Debussy wrote “Clair de lune,” the famous third movement of his piano suite Suite bergamasque. The title means “moonlight” in French and comes from a poem by Paul Verlaine, whose imagery helped shape the piece’s reflective atmosphere.

Debussy began Suite bergamasque around 1890 but substantially revised it before publication in 1905. “Clair de lune” is written in D-flat major and marked Andante très expressif, inviting a flexible, singing performance rather than a rigidly mechanical one. Its flowing arpeggios and spacious harmonies helped make it one of the most recognizable works in the piano repertory.

The movement’s name can cause confusion because Debussy also composed a separate vocal work titled “Clair de lune,” setting Verlaine’s poem for voice and piano. That earlier mélodie dates from 1882. Both works were written by Debussy, but the familiar instrumental piece belongs to Suite bergamasque.

“Clair de lune” is often associated with Impressionism, although Debussy disliked being confined by labels. Its quiet mood has also led to many arrangements, including orchestral versions and appearances in films, television, and animation.