Just listened to both.
Pierre Monteux conducting the Boston Symphony (RCA Musique):
1. De l’aube a midi sur la mer: 8’35
2. Jeux de vagues: 5’55
3. Dialogue du vent et de la mer: 7’50
Carlo Maria Giulini conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic (DG):
1. De l’aube a midi sur la mer: 9’22
2. Jeux de vagues: 7’13
3. Dialogue du vent et de la mer: 8’35
As fine as the Giulini is, I have to give the edge to Monteux, and I think at least part of the secret here is his exceedingly brisk tempi.
Classical Life 
I’ve never heard the Monteux version. Clearly, I need to rectify that soon. Related questions:
– Does the Monteux version have the brass fanfare in the 3rd movement or not?
– Do you have a preference for versions with or without the fanfare?
– Have you heard the “La mer” done last year by the LA Phil w/ Charles Dutoit that was made available streaming on the internet: http://symphonycast.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/05/28/la-philharmonic/?
(BTW: the timings for the movements in that version are: I. – 9’23; II. – 6’50; III. 8’51)
Old timers usually say that Monteux’s is the best recorded “La Mer,” and he performed in in L.A. back in the day.
Er, I’ve heard about the fanfare, and, uh, well I have to admit my ignorance. Where is it exactly? I know: Shocking.
Thanks for the Dutoit timings. I haven’t heard it. Shoot any other La Mer timings you might have around, if you like. I may add some as I come across them, too.
One minor correction on the Dutoit/LA timings: III. – 8’17 (I incorrectly included applause and commentary in my original number above)
I have three other versions of La Mer:
– Boulez/Cleveland (DG): I. – 8.48; II. 7’07; III. 7’41
– Salonen/LA (Sony): I. – 8’50; II. – 7’02; III. 8’31
– Salonen/LA (DG): I. – 9’09; II. – 7’29; III. 8’23 (not counting applause at the end)
By comparison, Monteux’s “II. Jeux de Vagues” coming in at 5’55 is downright Usain Bolt by comparison. Very, very curious to hear it.
As far as the 3rd movement brass fanfare, check out this Dutoit/Montreal version (ignore the silly visuals), with said brass addition coming at about 21:46: http://youtu.be/yDZ9dodpOx0?t=21m24s
Compare it to the Giulini recording of the same movement at around 7:04 — it’s not there. It’s also missing in both Salonen versions and the Boulez. Go figure.
Just for good measure, here’s another 3rd movement, this time Abbado and Berlin(?) with brass coming in at about 6’33
Thanks, CK. I’d have to go back and check for sure, but I think both Monteux and Giulini both have that “fanfare.”
Fine find, CK!
Neither one of the two editions of the score that i looked into has that lick. But some conductors do indeed prefer inserting it into the piece. it would be interesting to find out how and where it originated.
Another timing.
Ernest Ansermet conducting L’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande (Decca):
1. De l’aube à midi sur la mer: 8’16
2. Jeux de vagues: 6’06
3. Dialogue du vent et de la mer: 7’30
Faster than Monteux!
Another.
Charles Munch conducting the Boston Symphony (RCA):
1. De l’aube à midi sur la mer: 8’33
2. Jeux de vagues: 6’17
3.Dialogue du vent et de la mer: 8’00
Timings (unofficial but accurate) from this afternoon’s Dudamel/LA Phil performance:
1. 9’47
2. 7’10
3. 8’30
Thanks, CK. Interesting.