The End of an Era: World War I

The Great War shattered the Belle Époque's optimism. Debussy died in 1918 during German bombardment. Ravel, who served as ambulance driver, never recovered psychologically. Young composers like Albéric Magnard died in combat.

Yet French music's impressionist revolution had permanently altered musical language. The emphasis on color over structure, suggestion over statement, and refinement over power offered alternatives to Germanic traditions. As Europe rebuilt, French music would seek new paths while honoring its revolutionary heritage.