How did Russian music influence Claude Debussy’s style?

Russian music, particularly the works of Aleksandr Borodin and Modest Mussorgsky, served as a significant influence on the development of Claude Debussy’s musical style.1

Debussy drew inspiration from Russian folk music, specifically its use of modal scales, which contributed to his partial abandonment of traditional functional tonality. This influence helped him evolve a unique harmonic language that often obscured the harmonic basis of his compositions.2

Furthermore, Debussy’s work reflected a deep appreciation for the expressive qualities found in Russian compositions. For instance, his piano suite Children’s Corner (1908) was considered a French counterpart to Mussorgsky’s song cycle The Nursery, highlighting Debussy’s ability to capture the child mind with a sensitivity and spontaneity similar to that of his Russian predecessor. By integrating these diverse influences, Debussy was able to break new ground and expand the imaginative possibilities of 20th-century music.31