Gillian Opstad Boeken

The colourful lives of the three divas who made Debussy's Mélisande their own.

Focusing on Emma Bardac's life and her complex relationship with Claude Debussy, this biography uncovers her Jewish heritage, early marriage, and affairs, including one with Gabriel Fauré. It explores the impact of domestic pressures on Debussy's creativity and the financial struggles they faced. Emma's resilience during Debussy's battles with depression and her efforts to promote his music posthumously highlight her significant yet often overlooked role. The book also sheds light on the challenges of early 20th-century Paris, including prevalent antisemitism.