This unique DVD edition for the Debussy year, issued to coincide with the 100th anniversary of his passing (25 March), brings together three legendary conductors and orchestras, with their interpretation of Debussy’s iconic masterpiece La Mer (1905): the set features Claudio Abbado, Daniel Barenboim and Eugene Ormandy conducting the Lucerne Festival Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and The Philadelphia Orchestra.

The programmatic nature of Debussy’s masterpiece La Mer made it a pioneering work of musical impressionism. This is clearly evident in the formal structure of La Mer: For instance in movement two, Jeux de vagues – “play of the waves”, in which the unique use of dynamics, swelling and receding likes waves, dramatic shifts of rhythm and unfettered expressiveness allow the musical material to develop organically from within. These dynamic and rhythmic shifts combine to produce a fascinating musical experience.

Additionally, the piece is explained in a 30-minute documentary Debussy: La Mer from the series “Masters of Classical Music” - an informative and captivating guide. Hosted by Paul Roberts, it lets the viewer travel back in time to experience the birth places of the composition and get introduced to the work, whilst gaining insight into Debussy’s life.

Includes the fascinating documentary “Music cannot be learned” – by Georges Gachot, giving deep insights into the life and work of Claude Debussy based on reports by those who encountered the great composer in person.

Picture: 16:9 – NTSC
Sound: PCM Stereo, DD 5.1, DTS 5.1
Language/subtitles Doc:
English, French, German
Region code: 0 (worldwide)
Running time: 154 mins (DVD 1), 74 mins (DVD 2), Total: 228 mins
Production: 1977, 2000, 2003

Bonus: Debussy: Children’s Corner, performed by Zoltán Kocsis, recorded 1991 (15 mins)