Many people are acquainted with Debussy's La Mer, but not so many with Paul Gilson's work of the same name, composed a decade before Debussy's.

Paul Gilson (June 15, 1865 - April 3,1942) was born in Brussels, and was an organist and choir director. At the Brussels Conservatory he studied harmony and counterpoint, and won a Prix de Rome for a cantata he wrote.

La Mer was inspired by a set of poems by Eddy Levis, and intended for each movement to be preceded by the corresponding poem, but that rarely happened. Gilson labeled La Mer as a "symphonic sketch", and is actually like a combination of symphony and symphonic poem. The first movement, "Lever du soleil" (sunrise) is marked allegretto, and portrays the sun shining down on the sea.

The second movement, "Chants et danses de matelots" (Songs and Dances of Sailors) is labeled allegro, and is very much  hearty celebration.

The third movement is entiled "Crépuscule" (Dawn) and marked allegro moderato, but is almost like a lament at times, with a fisherman saying goodbye to his beloved.

 

The final movement, "La tempête" (The Storm) showcases the sea's more tumultuous and violent side.

There are two  recordings of this work you can enjoy!
Moscow Symphony Orchestra
Flemish Radio Orchestra