Maurice Ravel: Miroirs and Gaspard de la Nuit

On this CD:

1. Miroirs, for piano (or orchestra) Noctuelles
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Sarah Cahill

2. Miroirs, for piano (or orchestra) Oiseaux Tristes
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Sarah Cahill

3. Miroirs, for piano (or orchestra) Une Barque Sur L'ocean
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Sarah Cahill

4. Miroirs, for piano (or orchestra) Alborada del Gracioso
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Sarah Cahill

5. Miroirs, for piano (or orchestra) La Vallee des Cloches
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Sarah Cahill

6. Gaspard de la nuit, for piano
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Sarah Cahill

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Sarah Cahill is a West Coast broadcaster, journalist, and powerhouse new-music pianist who eats notes for breakfast. The Ravel selections on her solo debut disc, however, reveal the pianist's gentler side. She imbues the picturesque Miroirs with languid, lapidarian refinement and subtly graded dynamics. The dark underside of Gaspard de la Nuit's outer movements are charted by way of unusual voice leadings, illuminating accents, and unconventional yet convincing rubatos. More diabolical Gaspards from Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli and Ivo Pogorelich exist, yet Cahill's self-effacing conceptions ring fresh and true with each new listen. --Jed Distler

Tracks:

Gaspard de la nuit: I Ondine
Gaspard de la nuit: II Le Gibet
Gaspard de la nuit: III Scarbo
Valses nobles et sentimentales: I Modere, tres franc
Valses nobles et sentimentales: II Assez lent, avec une expression intense
Valses nobles et sentimentales: III Modere
Valses nobles et sentimentales: IV Assez anime
Valses nobles et sentimentales: V Presque lent, dans un sentiment intime
Valses nobles et sentimentales: VI Vif
Valses nobles et sentimentales: VII Moins vif
Valses nobles et sentimentales: VIII Epilogue, lent
Jeux d'eau
Miroirs: I Noctuelles
Miroirs: II Oiseaux tristes
Miroirs: III Une barque sur l'ocean
Miroirs: IV Alborada del gracioso
Miroirs: V La Vallee des cloches

Tracks:

Sonatine: I Modere
Sonatine: II Mouvement de menuet
Sonatine: III Anime
Le tombeau de Couperin: I Prelude
Le tombeau de Couperin: II Fugue
Le tombeau de Couperin: III Forlane
Le tombeau de Couperin: IV Rigaudon
Le tombeau de Couperin: V Menuet
Le tombeau de Couperin: VI Toccata
Prelude
Menuet sur le nom d'Haydn
A la maniere de Borodine
Menuet antique
Pavane pour une infante defunte
A la maniere de Chabrier
Ma Mere L'Oye: Pavane de la Belle au bois dormant
Ma Mere L'Oye: Petit Poucet
Ma Mere L'Oye: Laideronnette, imperatrice des pagodes
Ma Mere L'Oye: Entretiens de la Belle et de la Bete
Ma Mere L'Oye: Le Jardin feerique

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding performance.......2005-11-29

I have to concur with Del Dotto's opinion in the yr 2000, this is as close to definitive as possible.
But why stop at just 1 excellent recording, also consider Jean Efflam Bavouzet on the MDG label. As well another definitive recording (yes its possible to have more than just one definitive) is Alexandre Tharaud's recent recording on Harmondo Mundi.

Pascal Rouge, a true master in Ravel, a very rare talent in the recording industry.

tour de force.......2005-04-20

Pascal Roges recordings of Ravels great piano works serves as a honest mark of the music that never was, but perhaps might have been. Gently capturing the sheltered aura of pre-novelite Chopin, whilst endowing the music with the acousto-eco-hyperbolies of Keats, this recording is not to be missed. one can almost sense the tragic embrace that beheld Toffy and Dolly in that one moment, that one eternal moment. Ah. I shall never forget it. Ravels piano works are, in all senses, composures of 20th century modernity, suffused with the country-stylised effects of, say, Emmylou Harris, and the impecably marked greenhouse-jubilance connecting all the pieces in one final exotic anti-frenzy makes certain implications on ones ability to hate. I dont hate this cd, for example. the best pieces are Jeux d'eau, what a hit! and Le Tombeau de Couperin. Buy this cd and you will/wont be very very happy.

Ravel Piano Works- Pascal Roge.......2002-08-30

Having searched for ages for a definitive recording of the Impressionistic Masterpiece "Gaspard de la Nuit", I found it in this CD. Roge plays the technical inferno of Ondine and Scarbo with flawless taste and passion. This recording would rival that of Martha Argerich's famous recording of Gaspard that has long been thought to be the best. The Tombeau and Sonatine are also very nicely done. Sometimes however, with the smaller lesser known pieces such as the Minuet, you get the sense that he is sightreading, not truely feeling the music. Nevertheless this is a must have.

Beautiful Works, Excellent Performance.......2002-08-27

Together with the 2CD set of Debussy's piano works, these two albums are master recordings of the finest impressionist piano music. Pascal Roge has an astonishing control of the sound of the piano, and can bring out a beautiful palette of various tone colours and moods, orchestrating the piano and creating a dreamworld of sensations. Listen to the wonderful suite Gaspard de la Nuit, the marvellous sonatine (especially the second movement), and of course the mirroirs... This album is a must!

Debussy & Ravel: Piano Works - Samson Francois (6 CD's)

Average customer rating:

great pianist!!!!
Yesterday Francois would be celebrating his eighty-two anniversary

Debussy & Ravel: Piano Works - Samson Francois (6 CD's)
Samson Francois , Claude Debussy , and Maurice Ravel
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Chopin: Piano Works, Vol. 3
Debussy, Ravel: Orchestral Works
Liszt: Works for Piano and Orchestra
Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet
Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas / Daniel Barenboim

ASIN: B0002RUAEM
Release Date: 2004-11-02

Tracks:

1. Danseuses De Delphes
2. Voiles
3. Le Vent Dans La Plaine
4. Les Sons Et Les Parfums Tournent Dans L'Air Du Soir
5. Les Collines D'Anacapri
6. Des Pas Sur La Neige
7. Ce Qu'a Vu Le Vent D'Ouest
8. La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin
9. La Serenade Interrompue
10. La Cathedrale Engloutie
11. Danse De Puck
12. Minstrels
1. Brouillards
2. Feuilles Mortes
3. La Puerta Del Vino
4. Les Fees Sont D'Exquises Danseuses
5. Bruyeres
6. General Lavine (Eccentric)
7. La Terrasse Des Audiences Au Clair De Lune
8. Ondine
9. Hommage A S. Pickwick Esq. P.P.M.P.C.
10. Canope
12. Feux D'Artifice

Tracks:

1. Reflets Dans L'eau
2. Hommage A Rameau
3. Mouvement
1. Cloches A Travers Les Feuilles
2. Et La Lune Descend Sur Le Temple Qui Fut
3. Poissons D'or
Reverie
1. Andantino
2. Allegretto Scherzando
La Plus Que Lente, Valse
1. Pour Les Degres Chromatiques
2. Pour Les Agrements
4. Pour Les Sonorites Opposees
5. Pour Les Arpeges Composes
6. Pour Les Accords
Masques
L'Isle Joyeuse
Berceuse Heroique

Tracks:

1. Doctor Gradus Ad Parnassum
2. Jimbo's Lullaby
3. Serenade For The Doll
4. The Snow Is Dancing
5. The Little Shepherd
6. Golliwogg's Cake-Walk
1. Pagodes
2. La Soiree Dans Grenade
3. Jardins Sous La Pluie
1. Prelude
2. Menuet
3. Clair De Lune
4. Passepied
1. Prelude
2. Sarabande
3. Toccata

Tracks:

1. Allegramente
2. Adagio Assai
3. Presto
Lento/Allegro
1. Pavane De La Belle Au Bois Dormant - Pierre Barbizet
2. Petit Poucet - Pierre Barbizet
3. Laideronnette, Imperatrice Des Pagodes - Pierre Barbizet
4. Les Entretiens De La Belle Et De La Bete - Pierre Barbizet
5. Le Jardin Feerique - Pierre Barbizet

Tracks:

Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
1. Modere, Tres Franc
2. Assez Lent
3. Modere
4. Assez Anime
5. Presque Lent
6. Vif
7. Moins Vif
8. Epilogue: Lent
Prelude
Jeux D'Eau
Menuet Sur Le Nom D'Haydn
1. Noctuelles
2. Oiseaux Tristes
3. Une barque Sur L'Ocean
4. Alborada Del Gracioso
5. La Vallee Des Cloches
Emmanuel Chabrier (Paraphrase Sur Un Air De Gounod)
Borodine

Tracks:

1. Ondine
2. Le Gibet
3. Scarbo
1. Modere
2. Mouvement De Menuet
3. Anime
1. Prelude
2. Fugue
3. Forlane
4. Riguadon
5. Menuet
6. Toccata
Menuet Antique

Customer Reviews:

great pianist!!!!.......2007-02-16

samson was one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century his debussy was sublime and his color palete to impresionism is unsurpassed. could someone tell me if these recordings of his debussy are the stereo ones

Yesterday Francois would be celebrating his eighty-two anniversary .......2006-05-19

Samson Francois figure has evidenced slow but increasing enhancement through the years. His notable pianism, aristocratic approach and refined phrasing are some of his virtues.

If you still do not know about this legendary artist, no itý s the time for you to convince by yourself about the supreme level occupied by him.

When he left us in 1970 at his 46, he had so much to give. The musical world remained legitimately orphan and much more vile since his premature death.

But, fortunately his legacy will live among us, every time you listen any record you acquire of this peerless musician.

His Ravel is loaded not only of notable, sensual and asserive expressiveness. If you know about some other performance able to equal his Gaspard de la nuit, please, be my guest.

His Debussy is sober, eloquent with Impresionist flair and sublime musicality.

A true artistic and a fundamental treasure in your collection.

Louis Lortie Plays Ravel's Complete Works for Solo Piano

Average customer rating:

An overlooked set

Louis Lortie Plays Ravel's Complete Works for Solo Piano

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Ravel: Music for Four Hands

ASIN: B0000VM3Y0
Release Date: 2004-01-20

Tracks:

Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
I Prelude
II Fugue
III Forlane
IV Rigaudon
V Menuet
VI Toccata
Serenade Grotesque
Jeux D'eau
I Adelaide. Modere - Tres Franc
II Assez Lent - Avec Une Expression Intense
III Modere
IV Assez Anime
V Presque Lent - Dans Un Sentiment Intime
VI Vif
VII Moins Vif
VIII Epilogue. Lent
La Valse

Tracks:

I Ondine. Lent
II Le Gibet. Tres Lent
III Scarbo. Modere
Majestueusement
Mouvement De Menuet
Allegro Giusto
Paraphrase Sur Un Air De Gounod - Allegretto
Assez Lent Et Tres Expressif
I Noctuelles. Tres Leger
II Oiseaux Tristes. Tres Lent
III Une Barque Sur L'ocean. D'un Rythme Souple
IV Alborada Del Gracioso. Assez Vif
V La Vallee Des Cloches. Tres Lent
I Modere
II Mouvement De Menuet
III Anime

Customer Reviews:

An overlooked set.......2006-05-04

Lortie's technique is assured and (I say this as a compliment) his approach seems to take Ravel's advice to heart: it suffices to perform the music rather than [over]interpret it. Ranks up there with Simon, Thibaudet, and Casadesus among other sets. Very good recorded sound.

Average customer rating:

Low Price....Low quality
Destined to become a classic
No better deal out there
A must-have cd for piano fans
REGARDLESS OF PRICE, IT DOESN'T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS

Ravel: Complete Music for Solo Piano

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Abbey Simon Plays Chopin's Etudes and Waltzes (Complete)
Simon Abbey: Chopin
Rachmaninoff: Complete Works for Piano & Orchestra
Fauré: Piano Music complete [Box Set]
Bartok: Complete Solo Piano Music

ASIN: B000001K24
Release Date: 1992-11-04

Tracks:

Le Tombeau De Couperin
A La Maniere De Borodine
Menuet Antique
A La Maniere De Chabrier
Menuet Sur Le Nom De Haydn
Sonatine
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
Jeux D'eau
Prelude
La Valse

Tracks:

Valses Nobles Et Sentimentales
Gaspard de la nuit: Ondine
Gaspard de la nuit: Le Gibet
Gaspard de la nuit: Scarbo
Miroirs: Noctuelles
Miroirs: Oiseaux tristes
Miroirs: Une barque sur L'ocean
Miroirs: Alborado del gracioso
Miroirs: Le Vallee des cloches

Customer Reviews:

Low Price....Low quality.......2002-05-03

This is not the way Ravel is supposed to be played. It sounds heavy-handed, and too Romantic for my taste. The texture variances and image-making techniques are not there. Also the sound quality is poor. If you just want to know what Ravel's piano music sounds like, then buy it for reference. But if you want to experience the music, I reccomend Martha Argerich.

Destined to become a classic.......2002-01-12

I became familiar with this collection only after I had reviewed Louis Lortie's collection of Ravel's piano music. Although I gave Lortie a 5-star rating, and I believe that still holds true, I reach for Abbey Simon's collection more often. I also indicated that Lortie's recording had become my standard, and I am not sure I would continue to say that -- Simon has challenged Lortie in that position. I completely agree with the previous reviewers who note that this collection is a find at any price, and that the special characteristics of Abbey Simon's artistry finds its most perfect expression in Ravel's piano music

Abbey Simon has long been one of my favorite pianists. As some of the previous reviewers have indicated, he is a master of pianistic color, voicing and tone. His performances almost always have a unique signature that makes them distinguishable from everyone else. His piano, a Baldwin, also seems to have a unique sound -- with a big warm resonant bass and scintillating treble. The Vox analog recordings do a surprisingly good job of capturing his special tone and color. They were always among my favorite recordings even in the days of the LP.

I knew Abbey Simon's recording of Gaspard de la Nuit from about 20 years ago from a Vox LP that also included Valses Nobles et Sentimentales. Despite having heard other performances of Ondine, after listening to Simon I just had to obtain the sheet music to learn the piece myself. I think no higher compliment can be paid to a pianist than that he inspires others to approach the music. More than any other pianist, Abbey Simon has re-introduced a familiar piece to me in a way that makes me want to play it. I fully agree with another reviewer who said that his Chopin recordings are worth obtaining as well.

Abbey Simon is not as well-known as he should be. In years to come, many will look back on his recordings and wonder why he wasn't as prominent as many pianists who currently bask in the limelight. I believe these performances of Ravel, as well as many of his Chopin recordings, will be kept in the catalog for years to come and enjoy special status with listeners far into the future.

No better deal out there.......2001-11-28

More than competent playing. Two full CD's. Though the sound is a bit dry and recessed at times, Simon's tone sparkles enough and comes through when it should (Valses... Gaspard la Nuit, for example). For the price, this double CD cannot be beat. Simon's playing is even and consistent, very scholarly, almost pedantic but never boring, and a great study for those who are interested in learning about Ravel's music, much of which, referring to his symphonic work, pre-existed on the piano.

A must-have cd for piano fans.......2001-10-19

This cd presents Abbey Simon's astonishingly elegant and urbane pianism at its best. He is a perfect match for this repertoire.

No pianist of the past 50 years surpassed Simon's mastery of voicing and color at the keyboard. No matter what other favorite versions you may have, don't fail to purchase this one at its giveaway price.

REGARDLESS OF PRICE, IT DOESN'T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS.......2001-06-20

Here's yet another three disc vinyl Vox Box I cut my teeth on, finally transferred to CD in 1991. Growing up, and collecting records like they were going out of style (little did we know!), I must have had no less than four or five complete sets of Ravel's piano music; yet, the one that has remained in my collection is the Simon.

For me, Simon is the consummate Ravel pianist, and I've heard my share of Ravel (obviously). He's got "bite." He's got fluency, like liquid butter. He's got panache and a genuine "feel" for the Ravel idiom (a characteristic many pianists strive for, but never attain, that seems as natural as breathing to Simon); he's got "mystery." He's got charm, and an impish quality, too.

All this adds up to two major points: The Music. And the performer. Ravel and Simon merge seamlessly.

I've never heard a "Valses nobles et sentimentales" played with such verve, such sweep, such depth. Nor a "Tombeau de Couperin" with a mixture of heady expressionism, stealth and an intriguing waywardness.

As well, Simon's "Gaspard" and "Miroirs" are fabulous poetic etchings. And the Sonatine? Superb!

His "Pavane" is exquisitely touching; and "La Valse," thrilling.

The sound belies the age of these recordings: it is well-rounded, full, yet detailed, warm and present. It rivals many of today's high-priced, digital CDs, not only in sound, but performance.

Frankly, regardless of price, this VoxBox two-fer, is a critical Ravel resource, and Abbey Simon an invaluable guide.

[Running time--- CD 1: 65:18 CD 2: 70:11]

Average customer rating:

look at my other Ravel reviews

Ravel: Complete Works for Solo Piano

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Grieg: Complete Solo Piano Music
Debussy, Ravel: Complete Works for Piano Duet and Two Pianos
Fauré: Piano Music complete [Box Set]
Debussy: Complete Chamber Music
Complete Orchestral Works

ASIN: B0002XV2Y8
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

Serenade Grotesque
Menuet Antique
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
Jeux D'Eau
1: Modere
2: Mouvement De Menuet
3: Anime
1: Noctuelles: Tres Leger
2: Oiseaux Tristes: Tres Lent
3: Une Barque Sur L'Ocean: D'Un Rythme Souple
4: Alborada Del Gracioso: Assez Vif
5: La Vallee Des Cloches: Tres Lent

Tracks:

1: Ondine: Lent
2: Le Gibet: Tres Lent
3: Scarbo: Modere
Menuet Sur Le Nom D'Haydn
1: Modere/Tres Franc
2: Assez Lent (Avec Une Expression Intense)
3: Modere
4: Assez Anime
5: Presque Lent (Dans Un Sentiment Intime)
6: Vif
7: Moins Vif
8: Epilogue: Lent
Prelude
Borodine: Valse/Allegro Giusto
Emmanuel Chabrier (Paraphrase Sur Un Air De Gounod, Faust, Acte 3): Allegretto
1: Prelude: Vif
2: Fugue: Allegro Moderato
3: Forlane: Allegretto
4: Riguadon: Assez Vif
5: Menuet: Allegro Moderato
6: Toccata: Vif

Customer Reviews:

look at my other Ravel reviews.......2007-07-08

to see which other pianists I prefer.
As I listen to ravel's incredible breath-taking mezmerising genius of poetic beauty and dazzling skills at composition, I understand why ravel and Debussy did not care much for the geramn romantic tradition. Ravel could not stand anything from Beethoven. In my 30 yrs, the only thing i liked by Beethoven was his 4th sym(only Walter/Columbia), but even that work has faded to a lost memory.
Its amazing how few folk know the genius of Ravel, and even less appreciate the timeless beauty of his creations.
ravel is the flowering and culmination of the romantic period , which is why i feel no desire to hear Chopin.

Average customer rating:

Incredible performances of incredible works
For its time, 1960
History, Art, Science, Friendship
Disagreement with the other reviews
Being a huge fan of Ravel's music....

Complete Piano Music of Maurice Ravel

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Robert Casadesus
Ravel: The Complete Works for Solo Piano
Bach: Well-Tempered Clavier
Ravel: Piano Works
Piano Quintet in F Min / Complete String Quartets (1, 2, 3)

ASIN: B000007QCI
Release Date: 1998-06-16

Tracks:

Pavane pour une infante defunte
A la maniere de Chabrier
A la maniere de Borodine (Valse)
Sonatine: I. Modere
Sonatine: II. Mouvement de Menuet
Sonatine: III. Anime
Miroirs: I. Noctuelles
Miroirs: II. Oiseaux tristes
Miroirs: III. Une Barque sur l'oc
Miroirs: IV. Alborada del gracioso
Miroirs: V. La Vallee des cloches
Ma Mere L'Oye: I. Pavane de la Belle au bois dormant
Ma Mere L'Oye: II. Petit Poucet
Ma Mere L'Oye: III. Laidernonette, Imperatrice des Pagodes
Ma Mere L'Oye: IV. Les Entretiens de la Belle et de la B
Ma Mere L'Oye: V. Le jardin feerique
Habanera (de Sites auriculaires)
Jeux d'eau
Prelude In A Minor
Menuet sur le nom d'Haydn
Berceuse sur le nom de Gabriel Faure

Tracks:

Le tombeau de Couperin: I. Prelude
Le tombeau de Couperin: II. Fugue
Le tombeau de Couperin: III. Forlane
Le tombeau de Couperin: IV. Rigaudon
Le tombeau de Couperin: V. Menuet
Le tombeau de Couperin: VI. Toccata
Valses nobles et sentimentales
Menuet antique
Gaspard de la nuit: I. Ondine
Gaspard de la nuit: II. Le Gibet
Gaspard de la nuit: III. Scarbo
Piano Concerto For The Left Hand: Lento - Andante - Allegro - Tempo I

Customer Reviews:

Incredible performances of incredible works.......2005-12-31

While arguments about what is the definitive recording of these works can be made, it goes without saying that this recording is of tremendous musical value. Even if I don't particularly like a tempo that Casadesus chooses (particularly the last movement of the Sonatine), the performance still remains marvelously musical and true to the composer. Much of the playing is quite thrilling actually (take Scarbo, for example). Jeux d'eau is gorgeous as is the Tombeau de Couperin. I believe the highlight of the set is the bonus addition of the Left Hand Concerto with Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Simply put...it is SPECTACULAR! Casadesus' command of the piano, as well as Ormandy's command of the orchestra, is masterful and moving. I highly recommend this set to anyone with a broad appreciation for musical interpretation.

For its time, 1960.......2005-12-22

It was a pretty good recording in the 60's, but since that time some have surpassed Casadesus. Roge and Tharaud to name 2 pianists. Read A music Fan/San Francisco/Jan 12,2004 for the best way to describe Casadesus style. Note perfect, but lacking the nuances needed to bring out the colors that Ravel so needs.
Also Rouvier is stunning in performance, far surpassing Casadesus..
But I'm afriad Cassadesus' popularity is living on old timers who just don't wish to change their high opinion of this past legend.

TAKE NOTICE NONE OF THE HIGH PRAISE REVIEWS EVEN MENTION THAT THEY'VE HEARD ROGE, ROUVIER, THARUD.
Go figure.
Yet they claim this is the finest. Long live hype :-)

TRhe ones who mark my comment as un-helpful are the die hard Casadesus fans. I've met a few.

History, Art, Science, Friendship.......2005-03-09

How do I admire this recording, let me count the ways... (please pardon the awful Elizabeth Barret Browning misquote) To begin with, on the pianist, Robert Casadesus, other than Ravel himself, he is the premier interpreter of his work. Not only that, he was also a close friend and one of the few present at Ravel's meager funeral.

On the recordings themselves, they are of a superlative quality. What many interpreters today try to do is make a melodrama of everything. They forget that the composer himself drew inspiration from the machines of the time (his father was an engineer) and thus lose some of the forcefulness and directness of the works. Unfortunately, many today try to drown them in fluff and emotion.

Another added benefit of these recordings is the convenience of having them all in one set, digitally remastered of course. As a Ravel fan , I heartily recommend these to all who admire the composer, the pianist, or most importantly, beautiful music.

Disagreement with the other reviews.......2004-01-12

Unfortunately, I differ from the other reviewers. I do not feel that Casadesus captures Ravel perfectly. This is a subjective thing, but to me, Ravel has not only a masculine, but a very feminine component that requires intense sensitivity and colorings. I find Casadesus occasionally wooden for my taste, and his finger quality can be a level harder than I prefer. It is occassionally more note specific rather than tonal or image inducing. I found it surprising that these could be considered so positively or potentially definitive. Ravel, when played at its best is magical--can bring an audience to tears with its mix of simple yet complex beauty and exposure of the intellect of the performer. And while this recording is good, it never reaches a level of intimacy that brings my emotions to the fore. Nonetheless, it's a decent recording and it's very nice that the piano works are packaged conveniently. And of course, Ravel piano music--is just simply divine. Tombeau De Couperin and the Pavanne are two of my favorite compositions. I will regretfully admit I cannot recommend an alternative recording yet, but I don't recommend this particular CD as a definitive work.

Being a huge fan of Ravel's music...........2003-11-19

I am a lover for both classic and also jazz music. My friend introduced this to me. You can explore how wonderful someone can make for classic music.I could listen to his music all day long!
You will love him too.

Average customer rating:

The sound of sprinkled diamonds
More than a 'Bach Specialist'
Riviting Ravel
Riveting Ravel

Ravel: The Complete Solo Piano Music
Maurice Ravel , and Angela Hewitt
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Bach: French Suites / Angela Hewitt
Bach: The Six Partitas / Angela Hewitt
Bach: The Toccatas
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Bach: French Overture, Italian Concerto, etc

ASIN: B000063TSM
Release Date: 2002-05-14

Tracks:

Menuet antique
Pavane pour une infante defunte
Sonatine: Modere
Sonatine: Mouvement de menuet
Sonatine: Anime
Valses nobles et sentimentales: Modere-tres franc
Valses nobles et sentimentales: Assez lent
Valses nobles et sentimentales: Modere
Valses nobles et sentimentales: Assez lent
Valses nobles et sentimentales: Presque lent
Valses nobles et sentimentales: Vif
Valses nobles et sentimentales: Moins vif
Valses nobles et sentimentales: Epilogue: Lent
Le Tombeau de Couperin: Prelude
Le Tombeau de Couperin: Fugue
Le Tombeau de Couperin: Forlane
Le Tombeau de Couperin: Rigaudon
Le Tombeau de Couperin: Menuet
Le Tombeau de Couperin: Toccata

Tracks:

Serenade grotesque
Jeux d'eau
Gaspard de la nuit: Ondine
Gaspard de la nuit: Le Gibet
Gaspard de la nuit: Scarbo
Menuet sur le nom d'Haydn
Prelude
A la maniere de Borodine
A la maniere de Chabrier
Miroirs: Noctuelles
Miroirs: Oiseaux tristes
Miroirs: Une barque sur l'ocean
Miroirs: Alborada del gracioso
Miroirs: La vallee des cloches

Amazon.com

Taking time off from her definitive series of J.S. Bach recordings, Angela Hewitt here brings us the complete solo piano music of Ravel. Anyone who wondered whether this seemingly dyed-in-the wool Bachian might stumble should rest assured: this is a stunning double-disc. As Hewitt makes clear in her characteristically illuminating liner notes, Stravinsky's jibe that Ravel was "only a Swiss clock-maker" was hopelessly off the mark. "One doesn't need to open one's chest to show that one has a heart," said Ravel, and in these often understated recordings, one is made to feel his point powerfully. "Scarbo" is all the more dramatic through the suppressed excitement Hewitt's playing exudes. "Ondine" and "Le Gibet" are at once immaculately controlled and intensely atmospheric. In addition to those works most frequently played, we also get rarities, like "Sérénade grotesque," written when Ravel was 18, and not published until 1975. As Hewitt points out, Ravel's favorite composer was Mozart, and she plays him with a Mozartean subtlety of nuance. --Michael Church

Customer Reviews:

The sound of sprinkled diamonds.......2007-03-17

Perhaps a little poetic of a description, but that's my simple, non-expert opinion. I've heard various versions of Ravel's piano works over the years, but never like this: brilliant, crystalline, and crisply articulated; each turn of phrase throws light in all directions. Will lift you out of your chair. Simply dazzling.

More than a 'Bach Specialist'.......2005-05-25

Taking a break from her vast Bach cycle for Hyperion Records, Angela Hewitt puts her mind and fingers to the very different musical challanges of Maurice Ravel and the 19th-century French romantic-modern style. Well, all here is not completely divergent from Bach's music as Ravel's "Le Tombeau de Couperin" is a "Bach or Couperin-like suite" containing a prelude, fugue, menuet and toccata - but, of course, not sounding anything like either of the Baroque masters! Regardless of the composer in question, Angela Hewitt is known for delving deep into a composer's life and music to emerge with the purest, most representative essence of each work. Accordingly, her readings in general stay true to the score and intent of the composer and are a good reference point with minimal "outside influences." Accordingly, her Ravel conceptions here are very idiomatic to the man and his era.

Having "one foot in classicism, another in Romanticm and yet another in Modernism," Ravel's music fascinates with its combination of clarity of form, evocative harmonies, gentle nuances and curiously shifting tonalities. Angela Hewitt's finesseful style is well suited to Ravel's often delicate, imagery-rich music with her lovely phrasing, feathery touch, and ability to achieve the beautiful tonal colorations so characteristic of French music of this period. As often stated about French music, "It is always meant to be beautiful," and Angela Hewitt sure can create beauty in this music. Ravel's dreamy, cascading pieces (Sonatine, Jeaux D'eau, Ondine and Miroirs) are conveyed with the lightest of texture, nuanced lyricism and feminine touch that can make Ravel sound so enchanting. Never a harsh note is heard. This pianist especially excels in drawing out the poignancy of Ravel's more introspective works like the Pavane or Menuet d'Haydn. In these, her line is heart-felt and beautiful. Yet, Hewitt can create a strong sense of drama and intrigue when needed in works like the early Serenade Grotesque or the highly intelligent Valses Nobles. Her Alborada (Miroirs) is hot and spicy - a fine tribute to Ravel's Spanish-Basque roots. Equally delectable are her crystalline chromatic textures and exacting rhythms in pieces like the Prelude, Forlane and the Chabrieresque Rigaudon of "Le Tombeau." Hewitt really brings out the best in Ravel's most curious and fascinating music.

As many know, one of Ravel's most significant and famous piano works is 'Gaspard de la nuit' which is something of a top pianist's 'right-of-passage' due to the immense virtuosity required. Probably the most riviting performance of "le Gaspard" was by Martha Argerich in a live concert (EMI). Some say you have not lived until you've heard Argerich's performance which is one of her most exciting on record. Contrastingly, Hewitt's approach the this daunting piece is one of more subtlety and precision of passage work, shunning sheer bravura. This is most notable in the last movement, Scarbo (an eerie being from the literary work who haughts at night). In this movement, Martha Argerich gives us a Scarbo that is indeed fully terrifying with her quicksilver virtuosity that haughts its victim more through sheer power (created through speed and volume). In contrast, Hewitt's Scarbo is more subtle and insideous - created from nuances of shading/tempo/dynamic. Both evoke an ominous atmosphere but in a different way. Certainly Hewitt's Scarbo is more 'tame' - but perhaps more stealthy and cunning than Argerich's overtly sinister Scarbo. Hewitt brings a real crystal-clarity to this third movement; but for some, it may lack drama and "punch" - but all do compared to Argerich's electrifying reading. But, to Hewitt's favor is the Sonatine where her delicate and ethereal playing far surpasses Argerich's hyper-paced reading which never quite finds the gentle emotional center (a common critique of Martha's readings).

This is a very fresh, inspiring set that critics have taken note. This 2001 set received very high marks from both Gramophone and Penguin who herald Hewitt as having achieved status among the great pianists recording Ravel. Pretty good for a so-called "Bach specialist." The more I listen to Angela Hewitt's talent, the more I appreciate this pianist's esprit, range of repertoire and ability to create tonal beauty in anything she sets her hands to on the piano. The sound quality is excellent (rich and full) as are the 14 pages (!) of SUPERB program notes (which include the full text of literary work, "le Gaspard de la Nuit"). These are some of the finest notes written and were immensely helpful to understand more fully this programmic piece as well as the context and history of all works. Ravel's fascinating piano music was a very pleasing revelation to me this year, and I consider this two-CD set one of the treasures in my collection - as I do pretty much all of Hewitt's ever-growing and superb-quality discography. if you like this set, you should check out Hewitt's 2006 release of Chabrier piano music which is equally fascinating.

Riviting Ravel.......2003-02-27

Absolutely beautiful overall, powerful when needed, delicate when appropriate and always sensitive to what, I believe, were Ravel's intentions. But these are also fresh interpretations that I felt that I was listening to for the first time, especially the "Pavan." I have almost all of her Bach recordings and I am in the process of wearing them out! The Ravel is on that same level. Very highly recommended, even if you don't care for Ravel.

Alan Hewitt (no relation, to the best of my knowledge)

Riveting Ravel.......2002-05-29

Angela Hewitt, already known for her excellent interpretations of Bach's piano works, has turned her attentions to Ravel with equal effect. Her well-researched and accessibly-written liner notes alone are worth the price of the CD and it is clear that the research has not been just an intellectual exercise. Her playing is informed and technically splendid and the album benefits from a fine piano and good acoustics, essential elements in recording Ravel.

Tracks:

Bolero: Orchestration
Pavane pour une infante difunte
Miroirs Suite For Piano: La Vallee des Cloches, No.5
'Le Tombeau de Couperin': Toccata
Gaspard de la Nuit No.2; Le Gibet
Oiseaux Tristes No.2

Customer Reviews:

incorrectly regulated piano roll reproducing mechanism.......2005-12-05

Not only is the toccata performed by Robert Casadesus and not by Ravel, as the recording states, but the Duo-Art rolls which were used to make this recording has been shown by historians to be _incorrectly calibrated_ (in the Ronald Woodley article in the cambrige compainion to ravel, p222) and therefore absurdly and grotesquely twisted.

There are recordings available with these rolls correctly calibrated and they are *wonderful* (the "masters of the piano roll" cd issued recently by dal segno)
[...]

don't let the cheap price fool you: Ravel would be seriously angered to have this recording attributed to him.

Only Ravel Knew!.......2003-05-09

There is some doubt about this "historical" recording. The title of the CD is "Ravel plays Ravel". Except what you read from the Amazon website, you couldn't find any information about the recording in the accompanying pamphlet or on the CD itself. There is no name for the orchestra that played the Bolero, you are not sure whether Ravel was the conductor to this anonymous orchestra or he was just a cymbals player sitting in the back of orchestra. For the solo piano pieces, it didn't say it was from live recordings or piano rolls. All the accompanying pamphlet said is just a brief generic biography of Ravel. Only two out of the seven works mentioned are actually on the CD.

The copyright of this recording is "1995 Delta Music", Delta Music is a seldem heard name. The CD is issued by a truly budget label - "Laser Light Digital". You certainly get a bottom budget price on this CD, but whether it is historical or not? only Ravel knew!

Ravel as Ravel intended.......2002-12-29

This CD cotains something that we normally do not get a look at - five works as they were actually performed by the original composer.

The "Bolero" that begins this recording, however, is by the Halle Orchestra under the baton of Sir John Barbirolli. Although not the best recording of "Bolero" (that distinction belongs to Pierre Boulez and the Berlin Philharmonic), it is certainly up to the standards of the remainder of the album.

And it is the rest of the numbers on this CD that give it the distinction it deserves. Transcribed and transferred from original piano rolls that had been manufactured from Ravel's own hand, these recordings are a rare look at musical works that were composed =and= played by the composer.

"Pavanne for a Dead Princess" starts the show, followed by "Valley of the Bells", a toccata from "Le Tombeau de Couperin", "The Gibbet", and "Sad Birds". There five recordings show students how Ravel himself would have played his own pieces.

These five recordings are what make this album a "must buy" for students and fans of Ravel and a worthy addition to the classical library, especially for classical radio stations.

A fraud!.......2002-10-22

Word has it that Ravel had another pianist record these piano rolls. Even if it were Ravel himself--who was no great virtuoso, by the way--these recordings were not restored or transferred with anything resembling care, nor is the piano used in the transfer a concert-worthy instrument. As for the orchestral recording of the Bolero, clearly this is an anonymous modern recording and has no connection to the composer.

Let's face it, this recording is being marketed as a historical document, and in that regard it has no value whatsoever. Why buy it?

Good music, but too mechanical........2002-10-03

credible. However, whenever a transfer is made from performance to recording or back, there is some loss. This is a good example. As much as I love the music, this sounds mechanical to me: I think the process that this was recorded by reduced the power of the recording. Perhaps this is just because I am a pianist, but the other reviewers seem to enjoy the album and seem very versed in music. In any case, my opinion, for what it is worth, is that it sounds like a player piano's playback of a great pianist's recording. (The orchestral Bolero is an exception, but there is a saxophone-sounding instrument that I believe comes out too strongly in the texture at one point.)

Ravel: The Complete Works for Solo Piano

Average customer rating:

Ravel solo piano music
Another evidence of the grandeur of Gieseking!
Gieseking and Ravel...a perfect match!

Ravel: The Complete Works for Solo Piano

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00005ONOX
Release Date: 2002-03-12

Tracks:

Menuet Antique (Majestueusement)
Pavane (Assez Doux, Mais D'une Sonorite Large)
Jeux D'eau (Tres Doux)
Sonatine: I. Modere
Sonatine: II. Movt De Menuet
Sonatine: III. Anime
Miroirs: I. Noctuelles (Tres Leger)
Miroirs: II. Oiseaux Tristes (Tres Lent)
Miroirs: III. Une Barque Sur L'ocean (D'un Rhytme Souple)
Miroirs: IV. Alborada Del Gracioso (Assez Vif)
Miroirs: V. La Vallee Des Cloches (Tres Lent)

Tracks:

Gaspard De La Nuit: I. Ondine (Lent)
Gaspard De La Nuit: II. Le Gibet (Tres Lent)
Gaspard De La Nuit: III. Scarbo (Modere - Vif)
Menuet Sur Le Nom D'Haydn
Valses Nobles Et Sentimentales: I. Modere - Tres Franc
Valses Nobles Et Sentimentales: II. Assez Lent (Avec Une Expression Intense)
Valses Nobles Et Sentimentales: III. Modere
Valses Nobles Et Sentimentales: IV. Assez Anime
Valses Nobles Et Sentimentales: V. Presque Lent (Dans Un Sentiment Intime)
Valses Nobles Et Sentimentales: VI. Vif
Valses Nobles Et Sentimentales: VII. Moins Vif
Valses Nobles Et Sentimentales: VIII. Epilogue: Lent
Prld (Assez Lent Et Tres Expressif 'D'un Rhythme Libre')
A La Maniere De... Borodine (Valse 'Allegro Giusto')
Faust: Acte II: A La Maniere De... Chabrier (Paraphrase Sur Un Air De Gounod) (Allegretto)
Le Tombeau De Couperin: I. Prld (Vif)
Le Tombeau De Couperin: II. Fugue (Allegro Moderato)
Le Tombeau De Couperin: III. Forlane (Allegretto)
Le Tombeau De Couperin: IV. Rigaudon (Assez Vif)
Le Tombeau De Couperin: V. Menuet (Allegro Moderato)
Le Tombeau De Couperin: VI. Toccata (Vif)

Amazon.com

Newly transferred from the original master tapes, Walter Gieseking's 1954 EMI Ravel cycle gains in color and amplitude over previous "unofficial" CD editions of these long-unavailable recordings. Indeed, his vocal grimaces at loud moments register more clearly. More to the point, Gieseking's pellucid touch and direct brain-to-finger equilibrium control Ravel's cruelly exposed, deceptively difficult textures with effortless elegance in Le Tombeau de Couperin, Jeux d'Eaux, the Sonatine, Valses Nobles et Sentimentales, and most of Miroirs (though Alborada del gracioso could use more sultry snap). True, Gaspard de la Nuit's outer movements lack the hazy sweep of Gieseking's famous pre-war 78s. But the short pieces embody lapidarian marvels, like the Pavane's perfect melody/accompaniment balances (only a pedaling genius like Gieseking can achieve this without pedal!) and the Haydn Menuet's elusive polyphony voiced to a tee. Even when he's in less than tip-top form, Gieseking still clicks into Ravel's sound world as if both composer and interpreter shared genetic code. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Ravel solo piano music.......2007-01-10

As with Debussy, Gieseking' historical 1950s Ravel recordings are very fine. The works were also frequently orchestrated by Ravel and comparisons are very rewarding. A most cost effective way to know these works.

Another evidence of the grandeur of Gieseking!.......2006-09-10

The main virtue of this legendary resides in the fact that Ravel has never been played so incorporeal and so impressionistic. The use of pedal in Gieseking is extremely austere, he wants the bar sounds atmospherically, without mundane ornaments.

That is why his Ravel so ethereal and windy. A true rewarding experience for your senses.

Gieseking and Ravel...a perfect match!.......2002-08-28

Walter Gieseking has been considered for many years to be thesupreme interpreter of the Frenchimpressionists Debussy and Ravel.This recording does nothing to diminish this reputation. No pianist had the dynamic control and the supreme command of pedaling and half pedaling effects as didGieseking. While there may be sometechnical lapses here and there this is music making of the highestquality. Especially notable arehis performances of the Pavanne andthe Gaspard de la Nuit. I highlyrecommend this album.

Average customer rating:

bleaugh...
Hands Down the Finest Recording of the Ravel Piano Works
clear, personal, and strong interpretations of Ravel
Masterly Performances of Ravel
good, but...

Maurice Ravel: L'Oeuvre Pour Piano Seul

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000041ZK
Release Date: 1992-09-15

Tracks:

Complete Works For Solo Piano: Serenade grotesque
Complete Works For Solo Piano: Menuet antique
Complete Works For Solo Piano: Pavane pour une infante defunte
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Tracks:

Complete Works For Solo Piano: Ondine
Complete Works For Solo Piano: Le Gibet
Complete Works For Solo Piano: Scarbo
Complete Works For Solo Piano: Menuet sur le nom de Haydn
Complete Works For Solo Piano: Modere
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Complete Works For Solo Piano: Vif
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Complete Works For Solo Piano: Epilogue: Lent
Complete Works For Solo Piano: Prelude
Complete Works For Solo Piano: A la maniere de Borodine
Complete Works For Solo Piano: A la maniere de Chabrier
Complete Works For Solo Piano: Prelude
Complete Works For Solo Piano: Fugue
Complete Works For Solo Piano: Forlane
Complete Works For Solo Piano: Rigaudon
Complete Works For Solo Piano: Menuet
Complete Works For Solo Piano: Toccata

Amazon.com

There used to be an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records to the effect that Ravel wrote the least amount of music of any great composer. And if you look at the orchestrations that he made of piano originals, then the amount of music becomes smaller still. Many of his most popular works, including the ubiquitous Pavane for a Dead Princess, the Valses Nobles et Sentimentales, Alborada del Gracioso, Le Tombeau de Couperin, Mother Goose, and Une Barque sur l'Ocean exist in both orchestral an piano versions, but there's still a good bit of original piano music, including the lovely Sonatine and most importantly, Gaspard de la Nuit. Thibaudet has played all of this music since he started teething: he knows it and loves it, and it shows. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

bleaugh..........2006-05-30

I dont know about anyone else but I'm a bit tired of recordings like this. I mainly bought it for 'Gaspard' because I have heard recordings of him playing all the other pieces.
how IRRITATING! so fast and dry and showy.
In scarbo in particuular there were many speedy dry parts that coupled with a clever recording engineer and the perfect piano seem to attempt to hide the fact that he can be very uneven at times.
Why is this person regarded as such a great Ravel interpreter? His interpretations in this respect are extrely puzzling and very self serving. I personaly regret spending money on it.
I think the next great interpertation of Gaspard will be someone who is brave enough to follow the score as it is.
Michelangeli famously said of scarbo "Vif - lively but not actually as fast as possible"

Hands Down the Finest Recording of the Ravel Piano Works.......2006-02-24

Jean-Yves Thibaudet is the reigning master of the French repertoire for the piano. Not that his talent stops there: a survey of his recordings and performances demonstrate that this is one contemporary master who is equally at home in Chopin, Schubert, Schumann, contemporary works, etc, and he is a fine collaborator with other superb artists. His approach to the keyboard is at once romantic and informed and his technique is dazzling.

The two CD recording does the impossible in demonstrating the Thibaudet can toss of the most lightly fragrant works as well as the formidable challenges of 'Gaspard de la nuit' and the brutally difficult fugue from the elegant 'Le tombeau de Couperin'. Scattered throughout this recital are some rarities such as the 'Sérénade grotesque', the 'Minuet antique', 'Menuet sur le nom d'Haydn', and 'À la manière de. . .' as well as the much loved 'Pavane pour une infante défunte', 'Miroirs' and the 'Valses nobles et sentimentales', each of which Thibaudet transcends the art of impressionist music and takes it to another realm of communication.

But for this listener it is the complete 'Le tombeau de Couperin' that calls for constant replay, so varied are the spirits of the various movements and so surely correct is Thibaudet's touch. And for sheer brilliance this recorded version of 'Gaspard de la nuit' is a pinnacle achievement.

The recording technique used to capture this recital is superb and the presence of the piano is live but never strident. In short, this is a magnificent recording by a consummate artist. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, February 06

clear, personal, and strong interpretations of Ravel.......2004-03-08

I have to admit that I found some aspects of Mr. Thibaudet's interpretations of these pieces disorienting. However, as I got out the scores, worked on some of them myself, and listened to these recordings repeatedly, I can now say that I understand more about what the performer is after. Not that I always agree with him. Another person on this site discussed the staccato in the accompaniment of the Pavane. Yes, the orchestral recordings have a lush almost wet sound and many pianists go for that same sound. But once you look at the score, you see those staccato notes are there. Personally, I would soften that effect; I think this performance does sound a bit too dry. But I understand his choice and enjoy having had my horizons broadened.

Mr. Thibaudet has a very capable facility, lots of technique, and a clear idea of each piece and he delivers it without faltering or compromise. I admire that a lot in a performer. His choices ask us for a reaction and we are free to accept or reject what he has offered us. When I first heard these recordings I was quite stand offish, but over time I have come to enjoy them much more and am grateful to Mr. Thibaudet for his strength of conviction as well as his superior musicianship.

I encourage you to get these recordings because they are a strong interpretation of Ravel. You may love everything about it, or you may reject aspects of his interpretations. But in any case you will be enriched by hearing these pieces in a clear and beautifully personal way. That is an important aspect of why we make music and a reason why these recordings are so valuable.

Masterly Performances of Ravel.......2001-11-21

I cannot agree with the reviewers who are lukewarm about this set. When these recordings first appeared they were hailed by Gramophone magazine as magnificent interpretations of Ravel's piano music, and Thibaudet's Gaspard is still regarded as one of the few recordings of that work that captures the nuances that Ravel wanted.

The works recorded here are beautifully played and interpreted with great sensitivity. This is a set that can be equaled but not surpassed. If you are interested in the music of Maurice Ravel this set is a must.

good, but..........2000-11-03

Plain and simple, a solid set, but I personally feel that Thibaudet is no master interpreter of Ravel. He seems a bit "willful" at times, seeming to go for something different rather than appropriate. His staccato in the first bars of the Pavane is shocking to my ears, and makes this stately piece sound rather clumsy and ambling. The same thing happens in the minuet of the Sonatina and also in Le Tombeau's minuet. Other parts are solid and extremely well-played, but I hate his habit of rushing the time on fast phrases and then slowing down again, as if he is impatient. My pick for the best Ravel set would have to be the underrated Anne Queffelec, available on Virgin Classics for a lesser price.

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