La mer
Claude Debussy
Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic
mid-1960sFirst choice. Gorgeous sound that carries you into that mystical world. Drama is also done very well. Some find it too heavy, but for me, it's the top choice.
Apple Music — La Mer within a Debussy and Ravel collection.Fritz Reiner / Chicago Symphony Orchestra
1960A must for La Mer. One of the absolute demonstration classical recordings. Incredible clarity and vibrancy. Not just about climaxes; it's beautiful, natural, and the orchestra shines brilliantly.
Apple Music — La Mer on an album with Respighi’s Pines of Rome and Fountains of Rome.Eugene Ormandy / Philadelphia Orchestra
1959Beautiful sound and playing, maybe not as overtly luscious, a little more straight-laced.
Apple Music — La Mer on an album with Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune and Daphnis et Chloé Suite No. 2.Guido Cantelli / Philharmonia Orchestra
1954 Mono recording.Has an extra element of intensity and drama that really adds something.
Apple Music — La Mer on an album with Le martyre de saint Sébastien.Victor de Sabata / Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia
late 1940s Dim, distant, a little muddy, but not bad for its age.One of the best conductors for dramatic pacing and tension. A really intense recording, captivating from beginning to end. Sets the atmosphere well despite the sound.
Piero Coppola / Paris Conservatoire Orchestra
Early 1930sPioneering recording. More on the intense, dramatic side than lush. Fascinating to hear.