La Mer ("The Sea") is an orchestral work by French composer Claude Debussy, composed between 1903 and 1905 and premiered in Paris on 15 October 1905. It consists of three symphonic sketches - from the stillness of dawn to the turbulence of wind and wave - and stands as one of the defining works of musical Impressionism. Though initially met with a lukewarm reception, it quickly became one of Debussy's most admired and frequently performed pieces.
Esa-Pekka Salonen conducted La Mer with the New York Philharmonic in October 2025, paired with Boulez centennial works.
The Tucson Symphony Orchestra performed La Mer in January 2026 as part of an all-French program.
La Mer is scheduled at the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg in October 2026, conducted by Alan Gilbert.
Sakari Oramo conducts La Mer at Barbican Hall, London in October 2026.
