Maurice Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé; La Valse

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
There may be sexier complete D&Cs on disc, but few are as well recorded, clearly balanced, expertly paced, and shaded with the suppleness that Boulez and the Berlin Philharmonic bring to this rendition of Ravel's sumptuous ballet. If that's not enough, Boulez's dazzling La Valse caps things off with a bang. --Jed Distler

Tracks:

Bolero
Alborada del gracioso
Ma Mere I'Oye (Complete Ballet): Prelude
Ma Mere I'Oye (Complete Ballet): 1 Tableau: Andse du rouet et Scene
Ma Mere I'Oye (Complete Ballet): 2 Tableau: Pavane de la Belle du bois dormant
Ma Mere I'Oye (Complete Ballet): 3 Tableau: Les Entretiens de la Belle et de la Bete
Ma Mere I'Oye (Complete Ballet): 4 Tableau: Petit Poucet
Ma Mere I'Oye (Complete Ballet): 5 Tableau: Laideronette, Imperatrice des pagodes
Une Barque sur l'ocean
Rapsodie espagnole: Prelude a la nuit - Malaguena - Habanera - Feria

Tracks:

La Valse
Pavane pour une infante defunte
Le tombeau de Couperin: Prelude
Le tombeau de Couperin: Forlane
Le tombeau de Couperin: Menuet
Le tombeau de Couperin: Rigaudon
Valses nobles et sentimentales: Modere - Assez lent
Valses nobles et sentimentales: Modere - Assez anime
Valses nobles et sentimentales: Presque lent - Azzez vif
Valses nobles et sentimentales: Moins vif - Epilogue
Menuet antique
Fanfare pour 'L'Eventail de Jeanne
Daphnis et Chloe (Suite No. 2): Lever du jour
Daphnis et Chloe (Suite No. 2): Pantomime
Dapnis et Chloe (Suite No. 2): Danse generale

Customer Reviews:

Simply wonderful!.......2007-01-09

If you are a music buff like myself ( and I do like all kinds of music ), than what's not to like about The Boléro, by Ravel? And I don't buy into that hog-wash of a story that Ravel wrote this piece in the beginning of dementia...gimmie a break and give that man credit where credit is due.....The Boléro is a master piece! Ok...my review: It was a pleasure to shop for this Cd on Amazon ( after a disappointing search in a main music store )I found what I was looking for, ordered it and anxiously waited it's delivery, which was only about 5 days. The Cd was delivered in tip-top shape and I have enjoyed repeated plays of The Boléro! ( if it were an LP, the grooves would have been worn down by now! ) Today...it's back to classic rock for me. I would surely order from Amazon again!

quiet time reorganization of the mind.......2007-01-05

Have listened to this over the years from a teen who couldn't understand why anyone would write something so slow and repetitive, to a young married who now understood a vehicle for passion in a world filled with disraction, to a person who hears the joy and passion and struggles of a composer and appreciates the pain as a growth process for humans. Tenderly,hot,good stuff.More please.

Sumptuous.......2007-01-04

To heck with arguments about Elvis, Chuck Berry, Bill Haley, etc. Ravel's Bolero was the first ever piece of rock music, so there. This version by Dutoit and the Montreal Symphony totally nails it, always been my favorite version. The trick is to not let things get over the top as the intensity heightens. Flawless readings of the Rapsodie Espagnole and La Valse to boot makes this an essential disc. This is all the evidence you need that Charles Dutoit is the greatest living Ravel interpreter.

You never have enough Ravel - just never........2006-01-15

This two disk set is one of those that you should add to your collection because it is wonderful music, sounds great, and is extremely affordable. Everyone knows and loves "Boléro". Commissioned by Ida Rubinstein as a ballet and premiered in 1928 was not a musical success. At another performance, led by Toscanini, Ravel complained that the tempo was too fast. Toscanini replied that it was the only way to save the work. But it soon became a mass success to Ravel's surprise and consternation. He felt they loved it for all the wrong reasons. The violinist Hélène Jourdan-Morhange relates this interesting story of one incident involving the work:

"Ravel was extremely surprised at the mass success of "Boléro" `They're going to turn it into another "Madelon", he said, rather crossly; and deep down he felt that the obsessive, musico-sexual element in the piece was probably behind its enormous popularity. But one old lady was proof against the contagion. Ravel's brother Edouard saw her, at the first performance, wedged tightly in her seat shouting above the applause `Rubbish! Rubbish!' Maurice, when informed by his brother, replied mysteriously: `That Old Lady got the message!'" from Ravel et nous 1945 page 166.

The other works on this disk are more substantive than the 15-minute crescendo and its constantly changing orchestral colors. The entire "Mother Goose" ballet - who doesn't love this? Although you usually here it performed as the suite. The "Rhapsodie Espagnol" is a favorite and delivers that wonderful Spanish flavor with a French sauce.

"Le tombeau de Couperin" and "Valses nobles et sentimentale" are orchestrations of major piano works (with some alterations in the tombeau) (there are other pieces on these disks that also began as piano works) that are probably more well known to the general public as orchestral works. However, they are very essential works in the pianist's repertoire, and I encourage you to get to know them in that form as well.

"La Valse" is really two things. There is a tribute to Johann Strauss. Ravel admitted that every composer wanted to write a very good waltz, but that it was very difficult. So, he wrote this symphonic waltz as a tribute. However, the second half is something else, is it not? There is decadence and a madness to it that seems like a nightmare to me. As if we are all trapped in this thing until everything falls apart with pain and loss into nothing. A fascinating piece.

There are other small and popular pieces on this disk that are all done well.

Recommended!

The Best of Ravel By Master Conductor And Orchestra.......2005-11-10

French-Canadian conductor Charles Dutoit and the Motneral Symphony Orchestra deliver what is the most musically satisfying collection of Ravel Bolero's French music. At a fine price, this is a fine jewel, with moments that sparkle and burn with a beautiful fire. The first track is of course the famous Bolero, with its hypnotic, singular theme that is expanded into a climatic crescendo which is overtly sexual, primal and sensuous. It was originally a ballet about a Spanish dancer (dancing the bolero of course) in a bawdy cafe. She is spurred on to dance even more erotically by the lusty men until we can assume the men can take no more. The Rhapsody Espagnole is an evocative portrait of Spain, with lyrical passages and tonal beauty. The Valse is another classic of French music of the early 20th century. Ravel's mother had died prior to the premiere. It is a slow, romantic waltz that escalates into a frenzied dance of death. In musical terms, there is nothing too different from La Valse and Bolero. They are both basically one motif that is repeated but changes in volume and pacing. The Pavane For A Dead Princess is my favorite work of his. It is possibly the most gorgeous funeral music one will ever hear. Far from being a melancholy piece, it is a stately, Renaissance-like work that pays homage to exoticism of the East and Romanticism of the West. The Dead Princess we assume is either Moorish or Spanish and the music is lilting and spiritual without ever reaching the heights of frustration or despair that Bolero or Valse take on. The Tomb of Couperin is also a funereal piece but its beauty lies in its imitation of Baroque music. Couperin was a Baroque composer of keyboard works. The music is aptly called neo-baroque or neoclassical since it was composed in the 20th century. This same style is embedded in Valses Nobles Et Sentimentales and Minuet Antique- all works that reflect the music of the Baroque and classical eras, an homage to Handel and Gluck. Daphne Et Cloe is perhaps his most ambitious work, as it expands on the Baroque classic and makes it more operatic and orchestrally grander. All fans of Ravel will want to own this recording. Dutoit knows this music down to a T and the orchestra captures nuance and subtlety in a variety of both light and dark textures. The music is brimming with life and the sound is crisp and beautifully remastered.

Average customer rating:

Ravels Greatest hits

Ravel: Greatest Hits

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ASIN: B000002A27
Release Date: 1994-08-09

Tracks:

Bolero
Pavane For A Dead Princess
Alborada Del Gracioso
Rapsodie espagnole: Feria
Le tombeau de Couperin: Rigaudon
La Valse
Piece In The Form Of A Habanera
Mother Goose Suite: The Fairy Garden
Daphnis et Chloe, Suite No. 2: Daybreak
Daphnis et Chloe, Suite No. 2: Pantomime
Daphnis et Chloe, Suite No. 2: General Dance

Customer Reviews:

Ravels Greatest hits.......2007-07-20

Listen to the genuis of Ravel on a clean sounding recording that you can enjoy time and time again without deterioration.Be advised the recording levels are not dampened so dinner guests and headset wearers will certainly be awokened especially at the end of Bolero.If you listen closely the music pages can be heard turning ,nice sense of being there ,get the cd they dont make em like this anymore.

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

Average customer rating:

Mill. Classical review
classical music for the unitiated
Some little gems there that I had forgotten!
A very helpful collection
Excellent!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000K1C9
Release Date: 1999-08-24

Tracks:

Brandenbutg Concerto No.3 In G First Movement
Overture No.3 In D Second Movement
Violin Concerto In E First Movement
Prelude In C minor
Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude (Chorus From Cantata No.147)
Overture No.2 In B minor Minuet And Badinerie
Oboe Concerto In D minor Second Movement
Brandenburg Concerto No.4 In G Third Movement
Musical Offering - Fuga canonica
Easter Oratorio - Overture
Minuet In D minor
Kommst Du Nun, Jesu, Vom Himmel herunter(From Choral Prelude BWV 650
Brandenburg Concerto No.1 In F Second Movement
Art Of The Fugue - Contrapunctus 9
Concerto For Flute, Violin, Harpsichord And Strings. Triple Concerto - Third Movement
Overture No.4 In D - Réjouissance
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Water Music - Alla Hornpipe
Xerxes - Ombra Mai Fu (Largo)
Messiah - And The Glory Of The Lord
Concerto Grosso In A Minor, Op. 6, No. 4 - Larghetto Affettuoso
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 4 Allegro
Water Music - Air
Messiah - For Unto Us A Child Is Born
Concerto Grosso In B flat, Op. 3, No. 2 - Largo
Salomon - Sinfonia, Act 3
The Choice Of Hercules - While For Thy Arms
Water Music - Allegro (Suite No. 1)
Suite No. 5 In E - Air With Variations
Jephtha - How Dark, O Lord
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 5 Alla Siciliana - Presto
Mi Palpita Il Cor (Solo Cantata) S'un Di M'adora
Water Music - Andante Allegro Da Capo
Concerto for Trumpet & Orchestra in E-flat: First Movement
Symphony No. 94 in G: Surprise Symphony-second movement
Concerto for Violin No. 2 in D: Third Movement
Flute Trio No. 31 in G: Second Movement
Symphony No. 31 in D: Hornsignal-First Movement
String Quartet No. 17 in F, Op. 3, no. 5: Serenade Quartet-Second Movement
Sinfonia Concertante in B-flat for Violin, Cello, Oboe, Bassoon and Orchestra-Third Movement
Concerto for 2 Horns & Orchestra in E-flat: Second Movement
Symphony No. 88 in G: Fourth Movement
String Quartet No. 77 in C: Kaiser Quartet-Poco adagio cantabile
Notturno No. 1 in C: Second Movement
Symphony No. 98 in B: Londoner No. 4-Fourth Movement
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - first movement
Piano Concerto in A - second movement
Flute Concerto in D - Rondeau
Serenade - Minuet
Violin Concerto - first movement
Symphony No. 40 in G minor - first movement
Clarinet Concerto - second movement
Turkish March
Divertimento - Minuet
Horn Concerto No. 3 in E-flat - first movement
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67-First Movement
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27, no. 2: Moonlight Sonata-First Movement
Overture
O welche Lust (Prisoners' Chorus)
Ha, welch ein Augenblick (Pizarros's Aria)
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: Second Movement
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 61: Third Movement
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13: Pathétique-Second Movement
Sympony No. 6 in F, Op. 68: Pastorale-First Movement
Fantasy for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra in C minor, Op. 80: Choral Fantasy - Finale
German Dance No. 1 In C
Impromptu Op. 90, No. 3 In G-Flat
Heidenroslein
Ave Maria
Der Lindenbaum
Quintet In A 'Trout Quintet' - Andante
Mass No. 6 In E-Flat - Kyrie
Die Schone Mullerin Des Mullers Blumen
German Dance No. 2 In G
Piano Sonata In B-Flat
Nachtgesang Im Walde
Winterreise - No. 15: Die Krahe
German Mass - Zum Sanctus (Heilit, Heilig Ist Der Herr)
Symphony No. 8 In B Minor 'Unfinished' - Second Movement
Waltz No. 1 in E-flat, Op. 18 Grande Valse brillante
Nocturne in E-flat, Op. 9, no. 2
Etude in G-flat, Op. 10, no. 5
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21-Second Movement
Mazurka in D minor, Op. 33, no. 2
Prelude in D-flat, Op. 28, no. 15 Raindrop
Etude in C, Op. 10, no. 1
Nocturne in D-flat, Op. 27, no. 2
Impromptu No. 4 in C-sharp minor, Op. 66 Fantasy Impromptu
Scherzo in B minor, Op. 20
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35-Third Movement
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor - first movement 113.String Seranade - Waltz
Violin Concerto - second movement
The Sleeping Beauty - Waltz
Capriccio Italien, Op. 45
Swan Lake - Waltz
Eugene Onegin - Polonaise
The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers
Orchestral Suite No. 4 - Mozartiana - Third Movement
Swan Lake - Dance of the Swans
Symphony No. 6 in B minor - Pathétique - Third Movement
Hungarian Dance No.5
Lullaby
Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op. 68 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in E-flat, Op.117, no. 1
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 77 - Third Movement
Waltz, Op. 39, no. 15
Concert for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in B-flat, Op. 83 - Second Movement
String Quintet in G, Op. 111 - Second Movement
Symphony No.4 in E minor, Op. 98 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in A minor, Op. 76, no. 7
Hungarian Dance No.1 in G minor
German Requiem Selig sind die Toten (Final Chorus)
Die Fledermaus - Overture
Kaiser Waltz, Op.437
Thunder And Lightning Polka, Op. 324
Roses From The South Waltz, Op. 388
AnnenPolka, Op. 117
Vienna Blood Waltz, Op. 354
Eljen A Magyar Polka, Op. 332
Wine, Women and Song Waltz, Op. 333
On The Beautiful Blue Danube Waltz, Op. 134
Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg - Overture
Tannhauser - Die Pilger sind's (Pilgims' Chorus)
Tannhauser - O du mein holder Abendstern (Wolfram's Aria)
Lohengrin - Act 3 Prelude and Bridal Chorus
The Flying Dutchman - Jo-ho-he Traft ihr das Schiff (Senta's Ballad)
The Flying Dutchman - Steuermann, lass die Wacht (Sailors' Chorus)
Die Walkure - Wintersturme wichen dem Wonnemond (Siegmund's Aria)
Die Walkure - Ride of the Valkyries
Siegfried Hoho! Hoho! Hohei! Schmiede mein Hammer (Siegfried's Forging Song)
Tristan und Isolde - Liebestod
Thus sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 (excerpt)
Don Juan, Op. 20
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64, I.Nacht
Don Quixote, Op.35, first movement: Introduction
Salome, Op. 54, Dance Of The Seven Veils
Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59, Finale: Hab' mir's gelobt ihn lieb zu haben
Piano Concerto 2 In C minor, Op. 18 - First Movement
Vocalise, Op.34, No. 14
Prelude In G Sharp minor, Op. 32, No. 12
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G minor, Op. 40 - Third Movement
Symphony No. 2 In E minor, Op. 27 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F sharp minor, Op. 1 - Second Movement
Rhapsody, Op. 43 On A Theme By Paganini
Hungarian Rhapsody No.2
Liebestraum No.3 in A-flat
Piano Concerto No.1 in E-flat - third movement
Angelus
Mephisto Waltz No.1 (Dance in a Village Tavern)
Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H
Dante Symphony - Finale. - Purgatorio - Magnificat
Les Préludes
Boléro
Daphnis et Chloé first movement: Nocturne
Rhapsodie Espagnole
Shéhérazade - first movement: Asie
Ma Mère l'Oye - fourth movement: La Belle et la Bête
Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet, and String Quartet
La Valse
Slavic Dance No. 1 in C, Op. 46, no.1
Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 'From the New World' - second movement
Humoresque, Op. 101
Slavic Dance No. 8 in G minor, Op. 46, no. 8
Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 22 - second movement
Romance for Violin and Orchestra In F minor, Op. 11
Symphony No. 7 in D minor - third movement
Melodie (Songs My Mother Taught Me)
Carneval Overture, Op. 92
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B minor, Op. 104 - third movement
Symphony No.4 In A, Op. 90. Italian - First Movement
Frühlingslied In A, Op. 62, No. 6
Wedding March (From A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op.61)
Duetto In F, Op.30, No.6 (From Songs Without Words)
String Symphony No.9 In C. Schweitzer Symphony - Third Movement
Concerto For Violin, Piano And String Orchestra No. 1 In D minor - Second Movement
Symphony No.3 In A minor, Op.56 Scottish - Third Movement"
Notturno (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Rondo Capriccioso, Op.14
String Symphony No. 12 In G minor - First Movement
Venetian Gondola Song In F Sharp minor, Op.30, No.6
Scherzo (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Violin Concerto In E minor, Op.64 - Third Movement
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op. 46 - Morgenstimmung
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - I. Prelude. Allegro vivace
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - IV. Air. Andante religioso
Arietta, Op. 12, no. 1
Homage March from Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op. 56
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Solveig's Song
Wedding Day at Troldhauen, Op. 65, no. 6
The Last Spring, Op. 34, no. 2
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op 46 - Anitra's Dance
Nordic Melody Op. 63
Notturno, Op. 54, no. 4
Elegie, Op. 47, no. 5
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Arabic Dance
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 - Allegro
Symphony No. 3 in E flat, Op. 97 - Rhenish - first movement
Traumerai (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)
Mondnacht (from Eichendorff-Liederkreis, Op. 39)
Aufschwung (from Fantasietucke, Op. 12)
Triolett, Op. 114, no. 2
Tanzlied (No. 1 from Duets, Op. 78)
Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120 - second movement
Frühlingsgruss
Abschied (from Waldszenen Op. 82)
Dichterliebe, Op. 48 - Im wunderschonen Monat Mai
Manfred Overture, Op. 115
Romance in F sharp, Op. 28, no. 2
Die Rose stand im Tau
Liebesgarten (from Four Duets, Op. 34)
Warum? (from Fantasiestucke, Op. 12)
Kennst du das Land, Op.79, no. 29 (from Lieder der Mignon, Op. 98a)
Von fremden Landern und Menschen (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)

Album Description

An extraordinary 20-CD collection of great works by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Ravel, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, J. Strauss, R. Strauss, Schumann, Wagner, Dvorak, Grieg and Liszt. It also features worldrenowned artists such as Sir Neville Marriner, Martha Argerich, Ivo Pogorelich, Hermann Prey, Reiner Goldberg, Sylvia Sass, Jochen Kowalski, Peter Schreler and many more. This exquisite, copper metallic, deluxe boxed set is the perfect gift for the classical music neophyte.

Customer Reviews:

Mill. Classical review.......2007-05-13

This is a great set of recordings for the money, the only problem was I've had to clean some of the CD's before they played correctly.

classical music for the unitiated.......2007-04-01

This set is a good way to start listening to classical music. It's very well produced and easy to listen to. I purchased it to use as part of my world history high school class. It would have been nice to have some bio information on the composers. However, the product is exactly as advertised and good value for the money. The students were intrigued by how many of the excerpts they had heard before.

Some little gems there that I had forgotten!.......2007-03-30

Although I studied classical music at school, I had all but forgotten it until I bought this set. I heard several tracks I haven't heard for over 30 years, and I had been humming Brahms's 'Hungarian Dance no. 5' for years without ever knowing what it was and it was on the disc, so that was nice.

I found it to be a very good selection overall, but I felt too much had already been heard on TV, which of course is what lots of newcomers to classical music might appreciate. I managed to find about 2 hours of tracks that I wanted to keep, which works out quite expensive per disc, but I did find some wonderful music I had completely forgotten about, so it was worth it. All in all, it represents good value, and I have only knocked one star off as so much of it had been used in adverts.

It is definitely a good introduction to classical music, and it has made me want to listen to more of it, so I don't regret this 'expensive' purchase one bit!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

A very helpful collection.......2007-03-24

I define this set as an excellent way to find out who you like, and who you don't, among 20 of the important composers. It opens the door to purchasing more complete pieces by composers you do like, and can save a lot of time and money in the process.
To criticize the set for not containing more composers, or more than just snippets of those who are in the set, is missing the point: it is a helpful introduction to finding your way in the huge maze of classical music. It succeeds admirably in this.
Sound quality is uniformly very good on an audiophile system.
Highly recommended.

Excellent!.......2007-03-08

A great way to start a classical music collection. It's nice to have a full CD of each composer. It makes it easy to keep track of selections/composers I already have and what composers I still need to puchase to complete my collection.

Maurice Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé / La Valse - Berliner Philharmoniker / Pierre Boulez

Average customer rating:

Demonstration class CD
Complete "Daphnis", And Completely Brilliant
a beautiful recording
Ravel's exotic, passionate, sensuous complete ballet score
Excellent, and a bit unnatural

Maurice Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé / La Valse - Berliner Philharmoniker / Pierre Boulez

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Ravel: Boléro / Ma Mère L'Oye (complete ballet) / Rapsodie espagnole / Une Barque sur l'océan / Alborada del Gracioso - Berliner Philharmoniker / Pierre Boulez
Debussy: La Mer - Jeux - Rhapsodie pour clarinette et orchestre
Debussy: Images / Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune / Printemps - The Cleveland Orchestra / Pierre Boulez
Daphnis and Chloe in Full Score
Ravel: The Piano Concertos; Valses nobles et sentimentales

ASIN: B000001GPI
Release Date: 1995-09-19

Tracks:

Daphins Et Cloe: Premiere Partie - Introduction
Daphins Et Cloe: Premiere Partie - Religious Dance
Daphins Et Cloe: Premiere Partie - General Dance
Daphins Et Cloe: Premiere Partie - Dorcon's Grotesque Dance
Daphins Et Cloe: Premiere Partie - The Light And Graceful DAnce Of Daphnis
Daphins Et Cloe: Premiere Partie
Daphins Et Cloe: Premiere Partie
Daphins Et Cloe: Deuxieme Partie
Daphins Et Cloe: Deuxieme Partie - War Dance
Daphins Et Cloe: Deuxieme Partie - Chloe's Dance Of Supplication
Daphins Et Cloe: Troisieme Partie
Daphins Et Cloe: Troisieme Partie
Daphins Et Cloe: Troiseme Partie
La Valse: Mouvement De Valse Viennoise

Amazon.com

There may be sexier complete D&Cs on disc, but few are as well recorded, clearly balanced, expertly paced, and shaded with the suppleness that Boulez and the Berlin Philharmonic bring to this rendition of Ravel's sumptuous ballet. If that's not enough, Boulez's dazzling La Valse caps things off with a bang. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Demonstration class CD.......2006-01-30

The French impressionist composer, Maurice Ravel, did enjoy writing for the medium of dance. His Spanish influenced works exemplify that. This CD includes two works written for the Ballet Russe: the complete ballet of Daphnis et Chloe and the single movement La Valse.

Daphnis and Chloe is a love story surrounded by Greek mythology. Set in three parts (totaling about 57 minutes), the first part deals with the meeting and courtship of the couple. Eventually, there is a dance-off between Chloe's two suitors, a vile peasant, and the charming Daphnis. A humorous episode shows the farmer dance and the crowd laughing him off the stage. In time, a band of pirates invade and capture Chloe, ending Part One. Part Two takes place at the pirate camp, where a rugged and rollicking dance introduces the pirates. Chloe is forced to dance for the pirate king; she pleads to be let go. After Daphnis prays to the God Pan, Pan and his creatures set upon the pirate camp and the couple reunite to begin Part Three. The last section retells the lengthy story of Pan and Syrinx, and all ends in jubilation. The music is Ravel at his most impressionistic, but also showing his vivid orchestral writing. There is such dramatic and Romantic sweep to the music; lush string and wind writing, exciting and varied dances, and creative themes and colors. Much of the music is also virtuosic, with exceptional writing for flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon. An air of mysticism is also added by including wordless chorus throughout the work, and a few exciting moments which include a wind-machine. The love story is amply told with Ravel's lush and vivid colors, as well as an interesting story line.

The ballet is coupled with La Valse, subtitled Poeme choreographique. It is a sort of nightmarish, grotesque Viennese Waltz. The beginning is filled with low tessitura sounds, and the music rises and falls until the end, when the waltz is thrown in your face. Much like other works of Ravel's impressionism, the colors are vivid, not fuzzy, and perhaps in this case, a bit expressionistic and dark. It is a great ride and a unique work.

Pierre Boulez is a consummate master of Claude Debussy interpretations, and it helps him in this disk. Boulez makes the ballet shimmer, always following very closely to the score, observing all of Ravel's tempo, dynamic, and articulation markings to a "T". The Berlin Philharmonic surprisingly tackles this French music with much gusto. They have a fullness and weight that is required from the music and gives the music a deep sheen. This is aided by DG's 4-dimension recording, giving the ensemble warmth and remarkable unity and ensemble. I do not suggest this CD as a starting point of experiencing Ravel; but it certainly has its high merits and great for any fan of Ravel. Beautiful and ravishing music. TT: 70:46

Complete "Daphnis", And Completely Brilliant.......2006-01-01

Having had such success in their interpretations of five of Maurice Ravel's best-loved pieces, including "Bolero", in 1993, conductor Pierre Boulez came back to lead Karajan's Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra the following year with this brilliant recording of the composer's so-called "choreographic poem" "Daphnis And Chloe."

But instead of breaking it up into the two suites as had long been custom to do, Boulez decided to do the whole thing unabridged in all its powerful and even sensual glory. The result is perhaps the single greatest complete recording of this massive 57 minute-long work, complete with Ravel's vivid orchestral colours, wind machine, and a wordless chorus (this one being the Berlin Radio Chorus). As in their previous Ravel sojourn, Boulez and the Berlin Philharmonic bring Ravel's musical vision to life with extreme brilliance. Their performance of "La Valse", Ravel's masterful 20th century tribute to the waltz form laid down by Vienna's Strauss dynasty, to conclude the recording is also top-notch.

Boulez is still considered something of a controversial conductor in some quarters despite having been associated with many of the world's greatest orchestras for decades now, but recordings like these also ensure that he is one of the best there is around, particularly with respect to the 20th century repertoire.

a beautiful recording.......2005-10-08

These are great works and the sound here is nearly perfect. The dynamics on this recording can be truly shocking so be careful when you turn it up to hear the quieter details!
I think this is a great version of these pieces and recommend it highly.

Ravel's exotic, passionate, sensuous complete ballet score.......2005-05-28

While there are numerous performances of the Suite 1 and Suite 2 extracted from Maurice Ravel's magnificently and passionately orchestral work 'Daphnis Et Chloé', there are far too few performances or recordings of this important ballet score. Scored for huge orchestra and large wordless chorus, the impact of hearing this work in a live performance is truly overwhelming, the sort of experience that still exhumes the old Victorian 'swoon' effect. Having just returned from the wonders of Disney Hall in Los Angeles where Esa-Pekka Salonen and the LA Phil with the Pacific Chorale performed the entire work in the finest, most intricately detailed yet wholly sensuous sound reverberating throughout the complete spectrum and ambience of that great hall this listener has ever experienced, the need for an encore brought this CD with Pierre Boulez and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus off the shelf and into the machine.

Boulez also works magic with this score, revealing the entire seemingly capricious rhythmic changes and dynamics spectrum like the master conductor he is. The orchestra is sensitive to his every thought and the addition of the choral color is kept in perfect balance with the orchestral fabric, treating the chorus as simply additional orchestral members just as Ravel wanted. It is a glorious recording.

The one reservation with this CD is the 'encore' of tacking 'La Valse' on at the end. As if the passion of the Daphnis Et Chloé weren't enough, this popular blockbuster by Ravel, gorgeous though it is, seems to take away from the climax of the ballet. It simply isn't necessary to include it on the disc and while it is brilliantly played, it detracts from the beauty of the ballet performance. Knowing when to stop is really important when programming music both in the hall and on CD. Grady Harp, May 05

Excellent, and a bit unnatural.......2005-04-01

I read somewhere that this was a "Daphnis and Chloe" for the 21st Century. And that certainly seems to be what the makers of this album were aiming for. The details and the sound are eerily clear, crisp, and, often shockingly, loud. It sounds as though each individual instrument had its own microphone for this recording. This gives the recording an unrealistic, nearly modern rock sound which may be making Ravel do cartwheels in his grave.

Still, this is my favorite piece of music, and I'm glad it was chosen for such an overblown treatment. I often think that this is a good way to get semi-fans of classical music (the ones who just like the big loud things) more interested in better music. Plus, it is a great performance overall, and the absurdly detailed sound has allowed me to hear previously hidden instrument's parts.

For something that MAY be truer to Ravel's vision (but, who knows for sure, eh?) listen to Charles Munch or, of course, Charles Dutoit.

As for La Valse, I think it's always a foolish idea when CD companies put a smaller work after a major one -- it spoils the effect. Still, it's a fine performance of a great piece (but, Charles Munch's version is still my favorite, and apparently the favorite of the other people who reviewed it, too).

Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé, etc / Dutoit, Montreal Symphony Orchestra

Average customer rating:

magnificent
Inevitable
Essential
Landmark recording
A shimmering haze of sound

Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé, etc / Dutoit, Montreal Symphony Orchestra

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
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ASIN: B00001IVOS
Release Date: 1999-09-14

Tracks:

Daphnis et Chloe: Daphnis et Chlo Introduction er Danse religieuse
Daphnis et Chloe: Sc - Danse grale
Daphnis et Chloe: Danse grotesque de Dorcon - Sc
Daphnis et Chloe: Danse lreed gracieuse de Daphnis
Daphnis et Chloe: Sc - Danse de Lycn - Sc (les pirates)
Daphnis et Chloe: Sc - Danse lente et mysteuse
Daphnis et Chloe: Introduction
Daphnis et Chloe: Danse guerri
Daphnis et Chloe: Sc - Danse suppliante de Chlo
Daphnis et Chloe: Lever du jour - Sc
Daphnis et Chloe: Daphnis et Chloiment l'aventure de Pan et de Syrinx
Daphnis et Chloe: Danse grale
Pavane pur une infante dnte
La Valse

Customer Reviews:

magnificent.......2007-03-05

This is one of the most beautiful recordings ever made. Daphnis and Chloe is one of Ravel's greatest orchestral pieces (and his longest overall), and Charles Dutoit gives it the treatment it deserves. There is a quality in the music that even Monteux and Munch cannot replicate - maybe it's the brilliant 1980 Decca sound, but who knows. The best word to describe it is "heavenly". The strings in Lever du Jour are incomparable. Dutoit certainly knows how to get the best out of an orchestra, and it's no accident that he stayed with the Montreal Symphony for 25 years.

The two shorter pieces are quite good as well, especially the Pavane pour une infante defunte.

In my humble opinion, the news that Dutoit is coming to Philadelphia in 2008 is simply fantastic - he says he will conduct a Ravel cycle, and I would not miss Daphnis and Chloe for the world.

Inevitable.......2006-06-23

Before I even listened to this remarkable moment in recording history, I pretty much knew what to expect. Which is not a bad thing.

Mr. Dutoit, who is without question one of the greatest men to ever grasp the baton, pours his usual magic, color, flair, excitement, passion, and energy. He is truly unbeatable in french music. Oh yea, he's also French himself.

I witnessed his magic for the first time at his annual expedition with the Philadelphia up in Saratoga in the summer. The most memorable? - La Mer, Bolero, Daphnis and Chloe.

Here on this disc, is literally perfection, unless something's wrong with your sick head. Everything, from the playing is amazing. The brass is very brilliant, but very precise and clean. Which is ideal for this kind of piece. And the colors that Dutoit gets out of the Montreal is stunning: it changes from transparent, to dark, light, ghostly, bright, vague, lurching, palpable..

Simply put, this famous incident is pure musical magic slapped on a disc, played by one of the greatest orchestras and one of the greatest conductors to ever touch this piece. The chorus is equally powerful and joyous.

Very sweet.

Essential.......2003-06-17

I typically enjoy film music, but I also enjoy classical that has the same grand orchestral scale. This recording of Daphnis et Chloe hits the mark. If you like the work of Bernstein, Karajan, or Slatkin, then Dutoit's work will more than satisfy. Several sources I referenced regarded this as "The" recording of Ravel's beautiful ballet.

Landmark recording.......2003-05-24

As another reviewer mentioned, this 1980 recording was a landmark digital recording of a major orchestral work. But more than that, it was and still is an amazing interpretation of this often shortened and over performed work. Yes, Charles Munch and Pierre Monteux were masters of interpreting Ravel's work, but Dutoit and his forces took great advantage of the digital recording technology of the time, and brought out the diaphanous and intricate orchestration that is in the score. The playing is impeccable, and the rousing Pirate Dance is thrilling. Along with the other Ravel recordings that the Montreal Symphony did at that time (including the 2 piano concertos), any lover of Impressionistic music and Ravel should have these recordings.

A shimmering haze of sound.......2002-04-26

This "Daphnis," now an unbelievable 20 years old, was a landmark recording in the short history of compact discs, and still holds its own among many fine versions available. The magic appears in the opening bars and never stops throughout this ravishingly beautiful disc. The score's intricacy and colors are exactly suited to Dutoit's strengths, as well as those of the glittering Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal. The end of the ballet also showcases the outstanding Montreal chorus, surging forward with power and precision.

The "Pavane" and "La Valse" are equally impressive, the latter building to a shatteringly satisfying conclusion. To my ears, Dutoit and Montreal are virtually unsurpassed in this repertoire, notwithstanding outstanding versions over the years by Andre Cluytens, Charles Munch, Claudio Abbado and others.

A technical note: Decca has improved on the original issue of "Daphnis" by helpfully dividing the piece into twelve tracks. (The original CD was, amazingly, a single track.)

Average customer rating:

The only set you need
Outstanding performances at any price
More Evocative than some of Mahler's Symphonies
One stop shopping! Unparalleled Debussy, and excellent Ravel
In Debussy Martinon is unbeatble!

Debussy, Ravel: Orchestral Works
Claude Debussy , Jean Martinon , and Orchestre de Paris
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Strauss: Orchestral Works
Sibelius: The Complete Symphonies & Tone Poems
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ASIN: B00006HM8X
Release Date: 2002-11-05

Tracks:

I: De L'aube A Midi Sur La Mer - Jean Martinon
II: Jeux De Vagues - Jean Martinon
III: Dialogue Du Vent Et De La Mer - Jean Martinon
I: Nuages - Jean Martinon
II: Fetes - Jean Martinon
III: Sirenes - Choeurs De L'Ortf
Prelude A L'apres-midi D'un Faune - Alain Marion
Marche Ecossaise - Jean Martinon
Berceuse Heroique - Jean Martinon
I: Fanfare - Jean Martinon
II: Le Sommeil De Lear - Jean Martinon

Tracks:

Jeux (Poeme Danse) - Jean Martinon
1. Gigues/2. Iberia - Jean Martinon
I: Par Les Rues Et Par Les Chemins - Jean Martinon
II: Les Parfums De La Nuit - Jean Martinon
III: Le Matin D'un Jour De Fete - Jean Martinon
3. Rondes De Printemps - Jean Martinon
Premiere Partie - Jean Martinon
Deuxieme Partie - Fabienne Boury

Tracks:

1. Doctor Gradus Ad Parnassum - Jules Goetgheluck
2. Jimbo's Lullaby - Jules Goetgheluck
3. Serenade For The Doll - Jules Goetgheluck
4. The Snow Is Dancing - Jules Goetgheluck
5. The Little Shepherd - Jules Goetgheluck
6. Golliwoggs Cakewalk - Jules Goetgheluck
I: En Bateau - Jean Martinon
II: Cortege - Jean Martinon
III: Menuet - Jean Martinon
IV: Ballet - Jean Martinon
I: Danse Sacree - Marie-Claire Jamet
II: Danse Profane - Marie-Claire Jamet
I: Le Magasin De Jouets - Jean Martinon
II: Le Champ De Bataille - Jean Martinon
III: La Bergerie A Vendre - Jean Martinon
IV: Apres Fortune Faite - Jean Martinon

Tracks:

I: Andante - Allegro - Aldo Ciccolini
II: Lento E Molto Espressivo - Aldo Ciccolini
III: Allegro Molto - Aldo Ciccolini
La Plus Que Lente - John Leach
Premiere Rapsodie Pour Orchestre Avec Clarinette Principale - Guy Dangain
Rapsodie Pour Orchestre Et Saxophone Solo - Jean-Marie Loneix
Khamma - Fabienne Boury
Danse: Tarantelle Styrienne - Jean Martinon

Tracks:

Bolero - Marcel Galiegue
Une Barque Sur L'Ocean (Miroirs: No.3) - Orchestre De Paris
Prelude - Orchestre De Paris
Premier Tableau: Danse Du Rouet Et Scene - Orchestre De Paris
Deuxieme Tableau: Pavane De La Belle Au Bois Dormant - Orchestre De Paris
Interlude - Orchestre De Paris
Troisieme Tableau: Les Entretiens De La Belle Et De La Bete - Orchestre De Paris
Interlude - Orchestre De Paris
Quatrieme Tableau: Petit Poucet - Orchestre De Paris
Interlude - Orchestre De Paris
Cinquieme Tableau: Laideronnette, Imperatrice Des Pagodes - Orchestre De Paris
Interlude - Orchestre De Paris
Sixieme Tableau: Le Jardin Feerique - Orchestre De Paris
Alborada Del Gracioso (Miroirs: No.4) - Andre Sennedat
I: Prelude A La Nuit - Orchestre De Paris
II: Malaguena - Orchestre De Paris
III: Habanera - Orchestre De Paris
IV: Feria - Orchestre De Paris

Tracks:

Sheherazade: Ouverture De Feerie - Orchestre De Paris
La Valse (Poeme Choregraphique) - Orchestre De Paris
I: Prelude - Orchestre De Paris
II: Forlane - Orchestre De Paris
III: Menuet - Orchestre De Paris
IV: Rigaudon - Orchestre De Paris
Menuet Antique - Orchestre De Paris
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte - Michel Garcin-Marrou
1. Modere - Orchestre De Paris
2. Assez Lent - Orchestre De Paris
3. Modere - Orchestre De Paris
4. Assez Anime - Orchestre De Paris
5. Presque Lent - Orchestre De Paris
6. Assez Vif - Orchestre De Paris
7. Moins Vif - Orchestre De Paris
8. Epilogue: Lent - Orchestre De Paris

Tracks:

Introduction - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Danse Religieuse - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Scene - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Danse Generale - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Scene - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Danse Grotesque De Dorcon - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Danse Legere Et Gracieuse De Daphnis - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Scene - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Nocturne - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Danse Lente Et Mysterieuse Des Nymphes - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Interlude - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Introduction - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Danses Guerrieres Et Diverses - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Danse Suppliante De Chloe - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Introduction - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Lever Du Jour - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Pantomime - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Danse Generale - Bacchanale - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera

Tracks:

Lento - Aldo Ciccolini
Piu Lento - Aldo Ciccolini
Allegro - Aldo Ciccolini
I: Allegramente - Jean-Claude Malgoire
II: Adagio Assai - Jean-Claude Malgoire
III: Presto - Jean-Claude Malgoire
Lento, Quasi Cadenza - Moderato - Itzhak Perlman

Amazon.com

At long last, Jean Martinon's classic EMI Debussy and Ravel cycles from the 1970s have been gathered in a space-saving, budget-priced box set. If you love this repertoire, you'll gasp with joy at the conductor's crystal-clear orchestral balances, which truly reproduce what you see in the printed music. If you respond to a lean, sinewy approach to this repertoire in the manner of Toscanini and Boulez, but pine for the timbral characteristics that used to distinguish French orchestras (silver-coated strings, tart woodwinds, and slightly watery brass) in gorgeous, vibrant sonics, Martinon's your man. Aldo Ciccolini's crisp, diamond-edged finger work stands out in Ravel's two piano concertos and in Debussy's rarely heard Fantasie. The young Itzhak Perlman's dazzling, effortless traversal of Ravel's Tzigane will humble many an aspiring fiddler. And you won't find a more sparkling, translucent Ravel Mother Goose Suite on record. Martinon was a marvel, and a sadly underrated podium giant. Grab this set while you can. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

The only set you need.......2006-01-13

After owning dozens of Debussy, Ravel recordings, all I can say is ,
if you have this set, no need to look further.
My Ingelbrecht sets are good, but Martinon is better.
Forget the Munch and Monteaux, Bernsteins, Levine, Karajan (UUCCKKKK) etc etc.

Outstanding performances at any price.......2005-04-28

This boxed set provides a comprehensive collection of the orchestral works of both Debussy and Ravel. Jean Martinon conducts the Orchestre National de l'ORTF in the Debussy and the Orchestre de Paris in the Ravel pieces. The sound is stunning, and the performances are extraordinarily engaging. I have other sets of music by these composers (Simon and the Philharmonia Orchestra for the Debussy) Michal Tilson Thomas and the LSO as well as Boulez and the Berlin Philharmonic for some of the Ravel pieces (Boulez and the NY Phil for Daphnis and Chloe) but these other sets do not contain all the music in the 8 CDs by Martinon and his orchestras. I agree with the other reviewers who find the Debussy especially compelling. I am listening to La Mer now, and the recording captures the performance perfectly, clearly separating the horns, strings and woodwinds and providing a great balance. This is a very dramatic reading of La Mer! However, I find the Ravel performances equally inspired. The Daphnis and Chloe performance is tremendously exciting, and the ballet Ma Mere l'Oye is exquisite. When I decided to buy this set, I was looking for performances that would give me new insight into familiar works and also introduce me to some musical treats like Debussy's La Boite a Joujoux. I was not disappointed. This set is not just a bargain, it's a real treasure!

More Evocative than some of Mahler's Symphonies.......2005-01-25

I can't exactly visualise the oils of the French impressionists when hearing these pieces. But I do know what the other reviewer is talking about and the point is well made. They are so inspiring and evocative that they touch your heart strings perhaps deeper than most of Mahler's symphonies despite Mahler's gigantic orchetrations! The recorded sound is excellent: and the conductor is obviously gifted and the orchestra is just beautiful despite the fact that I am no big fan of either Ciccolini or Perlman. Believe it or not, in Hong Kong HK Records and HMV are selling the boxset at about 60% of the listed price in US: a real bargain. Grap it while it is still available, particularly those who live in HK.

One stop shopping! Unparalleled Debussy, and excellent Ravel.......2004-11-21

I've treasured both of these cycles since the 1970s when both appeared in single LP installements, each one eagerly awaited with deserved anticipation. To get them both in outstanding remasterings in a bargain priced box set is almost unthinkable. I'd pay twice the price, even more, if I had to for these recordings.

Other recordings of individual works may excel these, like Karajan's La Mer, or Monteux's Daphnis, Haitink's Nocturnes, and so on. But when listened to in such consistent interpretations as these from Jean Martinon, the works as a whole take on a different dimension. Each work is like a chapter in a novel, and they all weave together to make a very satisfying experience that is quite different than one gets with just the individual compositions.

That is especially true of the Debussy.

Two different Orchestras are represented. The Debussy are performed by the French National Orchestra, the Ravel by the more well known Orchestre De Paris, an orchestra that made recordings in those days with such notables as Kerbert von Karajan and Seiji Ozawa. The Debussy, though is actually better executed. The ensemble is tighter, the string tone more sumptuous.

The Debussy has no competition for completeness. No other conductor has traversed the entire orchestral output with the thoroughness that Martinon has. Boulez is probably the closest available. I think very highly of the Boulez recordings, especially the newer ones for DG. But the interpretations lack the unity and consistency that Martinon maintains throughout the cycle.

There is more competition with the Ravel, though. When issued, the cycle was met equally by an excellent set from the Minnesota Orchestra under Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, which came in a box at a lower price. Again, Martinon won my heart for his consistency. The Skrowaczewski was better executed by the Minnesota Orchestra than Martinon's Orchetre De Paris. The EMI sound was better, but back then the quality of the Angel LPs was terrible, so the Skrowaczewski go tthe nod for technical superiority unless you were fortunate enough to get your hands on more expensive import copies of the Martinon. There was a cycle from Ozawa on DG also, but artistically it could not match up with the other two. When CDs were introduced, along came Charles Dutoit and the Montreal SO on London/Decca. And they came with a huge splash and acclaim. I puked! and I have always puked when I hear Dutoit conduct anything, with maybe one or two exceptions. Dutoit makes Ravel sound too smooth and glossy. I do give the Decca engineers great credit for the sound (though the Daphnis gets my vote as the worst CD ever produced, being that it was 55 minutes long with no tracks or indexes!).

Now that EMI have so excellently remastered the Martinon recordings though,the choice for a complete set of the orchestral works is very clear. The experience of Martinon's unified consistent interpretations is not quite the same with Ravel as it is with Debussy, partly owing to a less well formed vision from that composer than Debussy. Debussy was more rigid in his world view and musical thought throughout his life, whereas Ravel wavered in many different directions.

When you consider the price, there no reason to think twice about this set. The accompanying booklet is not extremely comprehensive, but adequate enough.

In Debussy Martinon is unbeatble!.......2004-07-31

Jean Martinon is the last director really inmersed in the impresionist mood . His performances are deeply inspired and above all idiomatic . Marie Claire Jamet in the Sacred Dances is absolutely comitted with the elusive forms and pagan enchantment.
Martinon belonged to that hard to find status conductor who really know to engage with the composer mood . So when he played his music the results were overwhelming . He had a enormous gift to suggest . I still remind The Prokoviev seventh symphony with the Chicago Symphony and I can not get another first movement so well performed , for instance .
Back to Debussy he combines the charm and nuance with that incorporean and elusive approach that Debussy and Ravel demands . I state a parallel (if I may) between Martinon - Debussy and Beecham - Delius in what idiomatism concerns .
When Martinon performs Debussy the paintings of Matisse , Monet and Manet seem to awake and come to our mind .
The prientemps and the children 's corner are absolutely of first rate . The clarinet rhapsody is the best in the market .
In the images I prefer the Ansermet version , but the whole set is fundamental if you enjoy the orchestral music of Debussy.
Notice I have not mentioned Ravel works . I have another name in Ravel : Andre Cluytens . But this is out of context.

Ravel: Bolero; La Valse; etc. [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

Ravel, Minnesota, Skrowaczewski: YES: Treasures from the Past
Sheer Brilliance
Superb-Stands along Boulez!!!!
Nothing else even close!
Bravo Mobile Fidelity!

Ravel: Bolero; La Valse; etc. [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Mobile Fidelity Koch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé Suites; Ma Mère l'Oye; Valses nobles et sentimentales [Hybrid SACD]
Holst: The Planets [Hybrid SACD]
Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture etc. / Kunzel, Cincinnati Pops (Multichannel Hybrid SACD)
Bach: The Four Great Toccatas and Fugues [SACD]
Dark Side of the Moon 30th Anniversary Edition

ASIN: B0000ADXG2
Release Date: 2003-09-23

Customer Reviews:

Ravel, Minnesota, Skrowaczewski: YES: Treasures from the Past.......2006-05-16

Remember the brief, good old days of quad? Various labels, Vox included, were experimenting with ways to get four channel sound out of the long-playing vinyl platter. I believe the old USA RCA label had a discrete four channel system that actually cut four separate channels into the otherwise 2-sided LP groove. This meant you had to have a special cartridge/needle combo to safely ride and reproduce the four tracks cut into the groove. Never took off. Others, EMI and Vox among them choose the matrixed sound path, rather like the ways FM radio was matrixing a stereo signal into its carrier waves, so that your home receiver could decode it down to two channels in your home.

A complete set of the Ravel orchestral music was recorded in Minnesota with the era's music director, Stanislav Skrowaczewski. Like the golden era recordings of the old Mercury Golden Presence label, the engineers adopted a deliberate minimalist miking strategy. Once they found what they thought was the sweet spot, they just left the microphones alone, and let Ravel and the orchestra do the rest. Then we got these wonderful performances, highly lauded from the moment they hit the streets, on vinyl with four channels of matrixed sound. You could listen in regular stereo, or if you had the matrix decoder, get four.

Now we are really well into the surround sound era, thanks mainly to how home theater got all of us to finally upgrade our hardware. Since we already have the equipment for movies, and now for HD television; we have little reason not to let our music collections into the mix. And, voila. These master tapes revive, standing up to something like their original audible stature, thanks to the new high resolution Superaudio format. Pentatone is doing something similar to what Mobil Fidelity is doing here, with those almost forgotten quad master tapes; and what a nice surprise - the sound couldn't be better.

The Minnesota Orchestra of the era wasn't particularly known for its French tradition or influences as such. If anything, the Boston Symphony had inherited that crown prince designation when Koussevitsky arrived from Paris, bringing star French players with him. Then Pierre Monteux, Charles Munch helped maintain that legacy once the big K was gone. The Jean Martinon period in Chicago never really took root, and so as time passed, the Montreal Symphony and Charles Dutoit inherited the nomination for outstanding French orchestra outside of France. Nevertheless, these are utterly superb captures of a sophisticated Ravelian orchestral fabric - replete with finesse, sheen, silver - all polished to high gloss. This will remind one perhaps of the famous Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, reflecting light in all directions. And raising almost metaphysical questions of just what is real, and what is reflection, in the cross-hatch of all the refracted light.

Skrowaczewski knows well enough to let Ravel speak, without intruding. No mannerisms or oddities mar the music, either at the musical surfaces or in the melancholy or grotesque, subtle depths lurking beneath their polish. Tempos are consistently well chosen for the piece at hand. Some may at first hear the warhorse Bolero at too slow a pace, but comparison with the extant old version conducted by the composer in person would show that this slower, more languorous tempo is what Ravel himself adopted. There is still plenty of flash and fire in this Bolero, but also lots of that French intoxication with all things North African. Tourists are still going to far places to smoke kif and indulge in love-making with the local service industry that still knows where to find them.

Whatever you may think of French tourists smoking kif or the more hedonistic undergrounds in the North African tourist industry - As music: This is all simply marvelous to hear, especially in surround sound that finally yields up for our ears what has been sleeping on these old master tapes, all along.

Of course, this disc offers more than Bolero done with a slow, knowing hand that feels what it is reaching out to touch, namely, you. The Rhapsody, La Valse, Pavane, and Daphnis et Chloe suite no. 2 are the real point. Each of these works is simply so fine that they make Ravel's case as one of the acknowledged Great Composers of the West, all over again. What a felicity that Vox had the imagination and guts to go to Minneapolis, and get all this down, just when the other major labels had seemingly forgotten that Minnesota ever had a great orchestra. These Ravel performances will wear extremely well, no matter who else does them in surround sound and high resolution superaudio or dvd-audio. The only sad thing about this disc is when it inevitably ends, having played through. One could only have wished that Vox had been willing to get the full score of Daphnis from these sessions, the recording of the suites is so very finely done.

(You will find a second equally fine disc from these Minnesota sessions, also in surround sound superaudio from Mobile Fidelity. Plus, you can get their St. Louis sessions with Walter Susskind, which captured a very fine Smetana cycle of Ma Vlast, along with a rich and dramatic vision of Holst's Planets suite for large orchestra. Do not diss Susskind, by the way, because he was highly regarded by other musicians, including the likes of Ginette Niveau, Heifitz, Rubinstein, Milstein, Firkusny, Ricci, and Artur Schnabel. Nor is St. Louis confined to being a regional band: it is one of USA's oldest orchestras.)

Five stars. Is that enough? Hardly. This disc and its companion are simply among the true peaks in the mountain ranges of the history of recorded music. They may be equaled, but probably will never be bettered. Very highly recommended. Indeed.

Sheer Brilliance.......2005-08-12

There are not enough words in the English language to describe how good this performace is. The quality of the recording is also quite good. If you are looking for the definitive version of Ravel's masterpiece, you have just found it.

Superb-Stands along Boulez!!!!.......2005-07-31

What a tremendous SACD.
So well done. Worth every penny I paid.
Even my wife said she enjoyed it!!
Great Service!!!!

Nothing else even close!.......2005-06-14

I know you already have 3 Boleros, but you haven't heard it until you get this one, to say nothing of La Valse and over an hour of other gorgeous Ravel. Flawless in every way: exciting, beautifully recorded and totally engaging.

Bravo Mobile Fidelity!.......2003-09-29

My God! So this is how Bolero should be heard :) A remarkable and tasteful debut into the universe of classical surround sound by a traditionally rock oriented audiophile leader. At times bombastic, ominous, and spine tingling. . . & for an Encore?

Average customer rating:

How Boulez revolutionized Ravel

Boulez Conducts Ravel

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00077F98O
Release Date: 2005-10-18

Customer Reviews:

How Boulez revolutionized Ravel.......2006-06-14

When these recordings of Ravel orchestral staples came out over thirty years ago, nobody had heard anything quite like it. For American listeners, Ravel meant either Charles Munch's rather slapdash exuberance or Bernstein's extroverted thrills. What Boulez brought is familiar now, his trademark precision, transparency, and exacting balances. But being younger then, he was also very exciting--these readings don't have the whiff of clinical aloofness that would creep into his musicmaking over the years.

It also helps that both the NY Phil. and the Cleveland Orch. were filled with virtuosos. Ravel wrote delicious, coloful solos everywhere. Bolero, for example, should sound as if the greatest wind players in the world are showing off, and here that's true. Tempos tend to be rather measured, as in La Valse, in order that more detail can emerge--don't expect the drunken satire that this piece can be. As for nuance and delicacy, Boulez'a only rivla in Rapsodie espagnole is Karajan's amazing recording on EMI.

Sony's sonics are so close that they x-ray the orchestra, which is just right for this ultra-detailed music. My only caution is that Boulez never cuts loose completely--Alborada del grazioso sounds too self-contained, and the Danse generale at the end of the Daphnis and Chloe Suite doesn't have the erotic frenzy Bernstein imparted. Even so, this is a terrific bargain that gives us almost all of Ravel's greatest orchestral works in stunning performances.

Average customer rating:

Taste-ful!!
Good selection!

Panorama: Maurice Ravel

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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Panorama
Beethoven: Piano Sonatas
Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto Op35; Brahms: Violin Concerto in D Op77

ASIN: B00004XN6K
Release Date: 2000-09-26

Tracks:

Bolero: Tempo di bolero, moderato assai
La Valse - Poeme Choregraphique: Mouvement de valse viennoise - Un peu plus modere - 1st mouvement - Assez anime
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in G major: 1. Allegramente
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in G major: 2. Adagio assai
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in G major: 3. Presto
Rapsodie espagnole: 1. Prelude a la nuit. Tres modere
Rapsodie espagnole: 2. Malaguena. Assez vif
Rapsodie espagnole: 3. Habanera. Assez lent et d'un rythme las
Rapsodie espagnole: 4. Feria. Assez anime
Jeux D'Eau: Tre doux
Pavane pour une infante defunte

Tracks:

Daphnis et Chloe - Fragments symphoniques - 2e serie: 1. Lever du jour. Lent
Daphnis et Chloe - Fragments symphoniques - 2e serie: 2. Pantomime. Lent - Tres lent - Vif - Tres lent
Daphnis et Chloe - Fragments symphoniques - 2e serie: 3. Danse generale. Lent - Anime
Gaspard de la nuit - Trois poemes pour piano d'apres Aloysius Betrand: 1. Ondine. Lent
Gaspard de la nuit - Trois poemes pour piano d'apres Aloysius Betrand: 2. Le Gibet. Tres lent
Gaspard de la nuit - Trois poemes pour piano d'apres Aloysius Betrand: 3. Scarbo. Modere
Trio For Piano, Violin And Violoncello In A Minor: 1. Modere
Trio For Piano, Violin And Violoncello In A Minor: 2. Pantoum. Assez vif
Trio For Piano, Violin And Violoncello In A Minor: 3. Passacaille. Tres large
Trio For Piano, Violin And Violoncello In A Minor: Finale. Anime
Tzigane - Rapsodie de concert pour violon et orchestre: Lento, quasi cadenza - Moderato - Allegro - Moderato - Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Taste-ful!!.......2004-06-11

This is a very tasteful collection of performances of Ravel's music, and that's perhaps the greatest compliment I can give it.
Ravel's fastidiousness was legendary, and no matter where his music goes, the taste that one applies to how it gets there is the key element in judging the performance.
There's a lot of good stuff here from surprising sources. You expect the Martha Argerich performances to be of the highest order, and they are. I don't think I've ever heard any pianist
get to the core of Ravel's music while overcoming its technical
and interpretive challenges with quite the grace that she does.
Those these pieces (the Piano Concerto in G, Jeux d'eau and her astounding Gaspard de la nuit) are available on other CD's, but they shine here in particularly brilliant relief to the orchestral pieces which are the bulk of the program. The word for her playing here is SPELLBINDING.
The surprises come from unexpected sources. One does not usually link the big, robust orchestral sonorities one associates
with the Berlin Philharmonic under Karajan with the delicacy and precision of Ravel's music happily. Yet, this performance of "Bolero" works very well. Karajan reins in those usual big sonorities and holds them for the very end, while building his
orchestral forces with infinite care and precision from a tiny opening pianissimo into one long, carefully graded crescendo. It makes you sit up straight and pay attention to this piece as if you're hearing it for the first time.
Pierre Boulez' approach with the same orchestra to La Valse, is full of sunlight, fresh air and the magic of childhood. La Valse was Ravel's valedictory work for his mother, and Boulez
communicates all the magic of maternal love in this performance.
A gem, by any standard.
Seiji Ozawa's long, protacted tenure as music director of the Boston Symphony had many ups and downs, both commercially (lack of any steady recording contract for the first time in the orchestra's history) and artistically. Because recordings of the BSO under Ozawa were sporadic, one tends to forget what a really marvelous orchestra it was and is, and the wonderful sensitivity and sensibility Ozawa could bring to bear on particular works, particularly the French repetoire. The performances he leads here are all wonderfully shaded pastel colors, scents of dozens of flowers, delicate raindrops against
window panes, the memories of simple treasures you hold onto for life.

This is a really marvelous collection. Listen to it and fall in love with Ravel, and fall in love with life.

Good selection!.......2002-10-26

This reviewer would have to disagree with the previous review. I believe the selection is appropriate for this type of collection. To have both Piano Concerti on the compilation wouldn't be very tasteful. The most important things were there - Daphne et Chloe, Gaspard de la Nuit, Tzigane, G Major Piano Concerto, and everything else. I would be highly disappointed if any these were missing. The performers all do a 1st rate job except for Accardo's Tzigane. I prefer Joshua Bell for this beast. And of course, Argerich, the all mighty herself - to not have her representing the Concerto and Gaspard de la Nuit would be a travesty. All this coming from a Ravel fanatic who has played his complete works for piano!