Debussy (1862-1918), who is undoubtedly one of the most influential and impressive names of impressionism in the history of music, transformed poems into music as a result of his interaction with symbolist poets and blended his music with impressionist techniques. Debussy, who has numerous works composed for instruments and vocal music, composed many works especially influenced by the poems of the symbolist poet Paul Marie Verlaine (1844-1896). The unique harmony between the melodies he composed for vocal music and the poems has left a deep impression on both the performers and the listeners. The aim of this study is to analyze how the musical features of poetry are revealed in Debussy's music by focusing on the melodies that consist of five songs written based on Verlaine's poems and dedicated to Madame Vasnier. The study discusses the characteristics of impressionism and Debussy's techniques influenced by symbolist poetry while referring to the history of French songs. In addition, as well as making a contribution the literature, it aims to unveil important details that may facilitate the approach and improve the interpretation of students and artists who want to sing the lied series. The research follows a descriptive method and the collected data are extensively presented. Also, interpretation features of each song in the series are explained alongside their translations from French to Turkish. In the study, Debussy's life and the period he lived in are briefly explained, and his music language is analyzed with reference to the prominent artistic movements of that time. It is seen that the ternary form (ABA) is used in the songs mainly and that a poetry form consisting of three or four lines is an important factor in determining the musical form. While Debussy's work often feature indistinct harmonies, syncopes, and repetitive parts, it is found out that he used traditional tonal structures to enhance the poetic effect, and vocal melody and piano accompaniment appear to have an almost independent relationship.

Debussy, French Melody, Impressionism, Symbolic Poetry, Madame Vasnier Melodies