When Claude Debussy debuted his work, “La Mer,” in Paris on Oct. 15, 1905, many critics, were not amused. They considered “La Mer” as loud, bold and hardly worthy of his talents.
Today the classic piece is appreciated worldwide, as a musical “vision” or insight into the sea and her moods.
Guest conductor Jun Markl returns to lead the BSO in a performance that also includes Messiaen?s “Oiseaux exotiques,” which features the debut of pianist Orli Shaham.
“The Baltimore Symphony is a very friendly orchestra,” Maestro Markl said. “For me, it has always been a great pleasure working here … for a knowledgeable audience.”
“This program explores the very different ways composers have perceived and responded to the sounds of nature,” BSO Vice President of Artistic Administration Jeremy Rothman said. “There are the lush woodland sounds of Wagner?s Siegfried Idyll, the punctuating birdcalls of Messiaen?s “Oiseaux exotique,” and the romantic seascapes of Debussy?s ?La Mer.? ”
IF YOU GO
BSO Celebrity Concert ? “La Mer”
» Venue: Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore
» Time: 8 p.m. today and Friday
» Tickets: $25 to $78
» More info: 410-783-8000, baltimoresymphony.org
