La Mer (Debussy)

La Mer is an orchestral composition by the French composer Claude Debussy. It was written between 1903–05, and the composer travelled to Eastbourne on the English Channel coast to complete it. The piece was not initially well received, but it has become one of Debussy's most frequently performed orchestral works.

Related Topics:
Orchestra - Composition - French - Composer - Claude Debussy - Eastbourne - English Channel

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It is in three movements

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• De l'aube à midi sur la mer ("From dawn to midday on the sea")
• Jeu de vagues ("Play of waves")
• Dialogue du vent et de la mer ("Dialogue of the wind and the sea")

La Mer is ostensibly a sequence of three impressions; however the work's construction is symphonic in that it consists of two powerful outer movements framing a lighter, faster piece which acts as a type of scherzo.

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Today, La Mer is widely regarded as one of the greatest orchestral works of the twentieth century. It is a masterpiece of suggestion and subtlety in its rich depiction of the ocean, which combines unusual orchestration with daring impressionistic harmonies. The work has proven very influential, though it is not Debussy's most popular music.

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A typical performance of this piece lasts about half an hour.

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