Select a region
Did you know famed French composer Claude Debussy, renowned for his iconic piece 'Clair de lune', found solace and inspiration on our very own picturesque island of Jersey in the summer of 1903?
Born in Paris in 1862, Debussy's talent blossomed early, leading him to the prestigious Conservatoire de Paris at the age of 10.
His remarkable abilities earned him the Prix de Rome in 1884, a testament to his influence on late 19th and early 20th-century music.
Seeking refuge from the tumult of his personal life, Debussy and his new lover, Emma Bardac, escaped to Jersey.
Listen: Clair de Lune is a well-known composition by Debussy.
Here, amidst the serene landscapes and the rhythmic dance of the sea, Debussy composed several orchestral masterpieces, including 'La Mer', 'L’isle Joyeuse', and 'Masques'.
In a letter, Debussy expressed his contentment: "But this country is a delight, I'm at peace which is better still, and I'm completely free to work, which hasn't been the case for a long time...
"The sea has behaved beautifully towards me and shown me all her guises.
"I'm still in an absolute daze."
Debussy's love for the sea is further evident in his correspondence with friend André Messager, where he reflected on his childhood dreams of becoming a sailor and his enduring passion for the ocean's beauty.
"You may not know that I was destined for a sailor’s life and that it was quite by chance that fate led me in another direction," he wrote.
"However, I have always retained a passionate love for her [the sea]. You will say that the ocean does not exactly wash the Burgundian hillsides . . . and my seascapes might be studio landscapes; but I have an endless store of memories and, to my mind, they are worth more than the reality, whose beauty often deadens thought."
Jersey's dramatic tidal ranges and tranquil coastal vistas offered endless inspiration, feeding into the rich, evocative seascapes of his compositions.
To celebrate Debussy's connection to Jersey, Jersey Post has released a commemorative issue titled 'Debussy in Jersey', which went on sale yesterday.
Pictured: The full stamp set by Will Bertram.
Illustrated by local artist Will Bertram, the stamps intricately weave elements of Debussy's sheet music into their designs. Highlights include:
Portelet Bay Stamp: Featuring 'L’isle Joyeuse'.
Corbière and St Brelade’s Bay 98p Stamps: Showcasing 'La Mer'.
Havre des Pas Stamp: Highlighting 'L’isle Joyeuse'.
Grand Hotel Stamp: Celebrating 'Clair de Lune'.
The miniature sheet incorporates the score for 'La Mer', drawing inspiration from Hokusai’s famous 'Under the Wave off Kanagawa', a Japanese print that Debussy cherished and displayed on his studio wall.
Bertram's artwork beautifully captures the essence of Debussy’s music and his profound connection to the sea, making these stamps a fitting tribute to the composer's idyllic summer in Jersey.
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.