Debussy planned and abandoned many operatic projects, but only one came to fruition - "Pelleas et Melisande".
Today Donald Macleod examines how the work came to be written and explores some of Debussy's other dramatic works, including the ballet "Khamma" and the exotic mystery play "Le Martyre de Saint Sebastien".
Pelleas et Melisande (excerpts) - Francois le Roux (tenor), Maria Ewing (soprano), Vienna Philharmonic, conductor Claudio Abbado
Khamma - Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, conductor Riccardo Chailly
Le Martyre de Saint Sebastien (excerpt) - Leslie Carron (narrator), Ann Murray (mezzo), Sylvia McNair (soprano), London Symphony Orchestra, conductor Michael Tilson Thomas