Claude Debussy’s brilliant orchestral work, La mer (The Sea), one of the supreme symphonic achievements, stands outside of traditions and influences. Its modernity can still be felt more than 100 years after it was composed. He subtitled it “Three Symphonic Sketches,” and the names of the movements provide us with suggestions to stimulate our own sense of imagery: “From Dawn To Midday On The Sea”; “Play Of Waves”; “Dialog Of The Wind And The Sea.” The piece was initially not well received, but it soon became one of Debussy’s most admired and frequently performed orchestral works.