Who linked Claude Debussy to Symbolism?

Claude Debussy was linked to Symbolism primarily through his association with the Symbolist movement in literature and art, which emphasized suggestion over explicit expression. Influential Symbolist poets like Stéphane Mallarmé and Paul Verlaine inspired Debussy's musical style, encouraging him to evoke mood and atmosphere rather than convey direct narratives. This connection is particularly evident in works such as "Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune," which reflects the dreamlike qualities of Symbolist poetry. Thus, Debussy's music became a bridge between the realms of sound and the evocative imagery characteristic of Symbolism.