Customer Reviews

Debussy: La Mer; Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune; Danse sacrée et profane

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I think the first review above is excellent. Debussy has always been my favorite composer, since I first heard Prelude To the Afternoon of a Faun when I was a sophmore in high school. Hearing it changed my life--I would never think or feel the same way again. I had listened to classical music before, but never knew the heights of beauty and perfection it could reach. I quickly sent away for a cassette of La Mer. That was a recording by a radio symphony in Europe, which is still my favorite rendition (I can't get to the CD right now, because my stuff is packed up because we're remodling, so I can't tell you which symphony orchestra). This Telarc CD is outstanding, though not the best version of La Mer. I am writing this review specifically to note that the reason you should buy this album is really because of the recording of The Danses Sacre et Profane, the last track. This is really the highlight of the disc, and it's worth it just for that. Harpist Frances Tietov gives the absolute best performance of this piece I have ever heard, and it's really quite incredible. This is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever composed for harp, and it's a piece of music you absolutely must hear. Debussy was a true genius and is totally underrated. He's easily better than most of the so-called best like Mozart and Beethoven, his music just comes from a much deeper intelligence. If he had not died from an unfortunate illness so early, he undoubtedly would have given us many more masterpieces. Also be sure to check out Debussy's chamber music by The Athena Ensemble on the Chandos label, and The Alban Berg Quartet's recording of his String Quartet, which I think is on Angel EMI.

My wife tells me that Debussy does absolutely nothing for her (she goes for Bach & Handel). I can't think of a sadder statement when it comes to some of the most beautiful music ever written. Well, Debussy doesn't really write music, he writes sensations. La Mer is a classic sensory experience. The first movement skims the ocean serenly; the last thirty seconds are incomparable as the orchestra lifts you off over the cliffs and the waves. The second movement is very playful and the third is stormy, but only on the surface like the ocean itself. It is incredible that anyone could have invented music with this depth of character. It seems to exist outside of time. Slatkin conducts this organic material as if he was improvising it. Telarc's sonics on this disc capture the dreamy mist and spray perfectly. If you love unrestrained romanticism, this disc will be a great addition to your collection. And, if La Mer pushes your buttons, be sure to connect with Debussy's Pelleas et Melisande.

La Mer is one of my favorite pieces; I've heard live performances by the SF Symphony and the LA Phil. The one on this disc is decent, but there's something about either the balance or the recording quality that seems to lose detail compared to other recordings. (This is especially noticeable in the second movement, where the highlights by the percussion section just don't penetrate.) If you're looking for a great recording of La Mer, I'd recommend the Boulez/Cleveland (ASIN B000001GM5).