Description

La Mer / Daphnis et Chloé - Claude Debussy & Maurice Ravel | DVD Video

Featuring: Herbert von Karajan & Berliner Philharmoniker
Label: Sony BMG

UPC: 886972024493

Product Features

Composer: Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel
Conductor: Herbert von Karajan
Orchestra: Berliner Philharmoniker
Audio Format: Stereo and Surround Sound, re-recorded at the original venues
Label: Sony BMG
Running Time: Approx. 40 minutes
Regions: All
Tracks:
- Claude Debussy's La Mer (Three Symphonic Sketches)
- Claude Debussy's Prélude à l'Après-midi d'un Faune
- Maurice Ravel's Daphnis et Chloé, Suite No. 2 (Symphonic Fragments)

Overview

Herbert von Karajan leads the Berliner Philharmoniker in this magnificent recording of two iconic works from the French Impressionist repertoire—Claude Debussy's La Mer and Maurice Ravel's Daphnis et Chloé, Suite No. 2. This release offers a unique experience, blending stunning new stereo and surround sound re-recorded at the original venues. The orchestra's extraordinary attention to detail is evident, bringing Debussy's shimmering soundscapes and Ravel's vivid orchestral colors to life.

In La Mer, Debussy’s fascination with the sea is portrayed through three symphonic sketches that capture the moods of the ocean: From Dawn to Midday at Sea, Play of the Waves, and Dialogue of the Wind and the Sea. Each movement is a vivid portrayal of nature’s untamed beauty, masterfully interpreted by von Karajan.

Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé, Suite No. 2 is a symphonic masterpiece, with its delicate and expansive orchestrations. This suite includes three sections: Daybreak, Pantomime, and General Dance, each filled with vibrant textures and energy, displaying the Berliner Philharmoniker’s unmatched precision and emotional depth.

This DVD is a must-have for classical music lovers, offering a rich auditory experience of these timeless works, beautifully conducted by one of the greatest maestros of the 20th century.

Interesting Facts

Herbert von Karajan was a legendary conductor, known for his remarkable recordings of the classical repertoire, particularly with the Berliner Philharmoniker, with whom he had a long and fruitful collaboration.
Claude Debussy’s La Mer was inspired by his frequent stays by the sea and represents the waves and wind through lush, impressionistic harmonies.
Maurice Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé was originally composed as a ballet, and the Suite No. 2 remains one of his most popular orchestral works, noted for its sweeping dynamics and lush orchestration.
This recording is re-mastered in stereo and surround sound, offering an immersive listening experience, capturing the depth of the original venues.
Prélude à l'Après-midi d'un Faune, based on the poem by Stéphane Mallarmé, is one of Debussy’s most famous works, considered a turning point in the history of music, leading toward modernist and impressionist styles.