2. Debussy’s Préludes as Cultural Mediators Between East and West

Each culture is characterized by specific values and ideas; but cultures change together with the related social systems, and new cultural divides are created and bridged in a circular flow. Music can act as a cultural mediator, helping individuals and groups to get rid of their differences and promoting a greater social harmony. This study analyzes Claude Debussy’s Préludes, discussing how and why this work combines traits of Western and Eastern music cultures, and can therefore be considered as an example of cultural mediation.