Toscanini and the Philadelphia: Debussy La Mer (1942)

Claude Debussy
La Mer

1. From Dawn Till Noon on the Sea (0:07)
2. The Play of the Waves (8:14)
3. Dialogue of the Wind and the Sea (14:43)

Arturo Toscanini, conductor
The Philadelphia Orchestra

Recorded on February 8/9, 1942
at The Academy of Music, Philadelphia

Toscanini has a legendary connection to "La Mer" which goes back to the early 20th century, and the enthusiastic reception to his performances given by Debussy himself. His sublime recording with the NBC has been a staple of this channel for years. But it is his recording with the Philadelphia Orchestra from 1942 which is, arguably, his greatest recording of it. Although the NBC was a great orchestra, the character of the Philadelphia at the time this recording was made was unlike any other orchestra in the world, before or since.

It is presented here for the first time on this channel in a new restoration.

For 1942 this is an amazing sounding recording. Sadly, MP4 cannot do it justice.

Digital transfer and disc-to-tape restoration (2006) Andreas Mayer
Field acoustic and sonic restoration (2024): Paul Howard - The Yucaipa Studio

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