Debussy: La Mer & Première Suite d'Orchestre

Featuring

François-Xavier Roth
Les Siècles
Claude Debussy

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Composer Biography

Debussy had a lifelong fascination with the sea, stating in an 1889 questionnaire that if he were not himself, he would be 'A sailor'.

Composition History

The third movement of Debussy's Première Suite d'Orchestre, 'Rêve', was missing from the discovered orchestral manuscript and was orchestrated by Philippe Manoury for this recording's premiere.

Compositional Technique

The form of an orchestral suite, rather than a symphony, offered the young Debussy freedom in choosing themes, rhythmic style, and instrumental colors.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Debussy titled La Mer 'Trois esquisses symphoniques' (Three symphonic sketches), explicitly referencing his fondness for the visual arts.

Composition History

Debussy's Première Suite d'Orchestre was composed while he was a student in Ernest Guiraud's composition class at the Paris Conservatoire.

Critical Reception

The premiere of La Mer in 1905 was poorly received, with the conductor Camille Chevillard reportedly 'butchering' the work, and it was not until 1908 that it was heard in its full splendor.

Cultural Impact

The cover of the original score for La Mer featured a wave illustration inspired by Hokusai's famous Japanese print, 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa', which Debussy owned.