La mer 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, and its use of sensuous tonal colours and its orchestration methods have influenced many later film scores. While the structure of the work places it outside of both absolute music and programme music (see below on the title "Three symphonic sketches") as those terms were understood in the early 20th century, it obviously uses descriptive devices to suggest wind, waves and the ambience of the sea. But structuring a piece around a nature subject without any literary or human element to it – neither people, nor mythology, nor ships are suggested in the piece – also was highly unusual at the time.
Original Name | La mer, trois esquisses symphoniques pour orchestre |
Date of composition | 1905 (Composed between 1903 and 1905) |
Premiered | 1905, October 15th in Paris, France |
First published | 1905 |
Type | Symphonic Etude |
Catalogue | L. 109 |
Approx. duration | 24 minutes |
Instruments | Orchestra |
Autotranslations beta |
Claude Debussy: The sea, three symphonic sketches for orchestra, L. 109 Claude Debussy: The sea, three symphonic sketches for orchestra, L. 109 Claude Debussy: The sea, three symphonic sketches for orchestra, L. 109 |