Ravel: Le Tombeau de Couperin, Miroirs, Gaspard de la Nuit

Product Description:
David Korevaar balances an active performing career as a soloist and chamber musician with teaching at the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he is Assistant Professor of Piano. His broad musical interests are reflected in his recordings, ranging from his recent release of Brahms’s Variations for Piano to the two books of Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier (MSR Classics) to the brand new piano works of Lowell Liebermann. He has recorded the romantic virtuoso compositions of Hungarian composer Ernst von Dohnányi, and transcriptions (his own and Liszt's) of orchestral music by Franz Liszt, including the rarely heard 2nd Mephisto Waltz. Other recent releases include a CD by the Prometheus Piano Quartet featuring music by 19th-Century Frenchmen Saint-Saëns and d'Indy; an album of Lowell Liebermann’s chamber music with flute with flutist Alexa Still; the complete sonatas for brass instruments by Paul Hindemith and the Brahms Violin Sonatas with violinist Anastasia Khitruk.

In addition to his solo appearances, Korevaar performs as a member of the Prometheus Piano Quartet and the Clavier Trio, and as a frequent guest of groups including the Takaçs, Manhattan, and Colorado quartets. He was a founding member of the Young Concert Artists Award-winning piano and wind ensemble Hexagon, with which he toured for many years.

Korevaar was recently honored, along with co-author Tim Smith of Northern Arizona University, with the Editor's Choice Award from MERLOT (Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching) for a web-based exploration of the Fugues of the Well-Tempered Clavier, featuring analytical essays and animations by Professor Smith, performance-related essays by Korevaar, and Korevaar's performances of the music. Other honors include top prizes from the University of Maryland William Kapell International Piano Competition (1988) and the Peabody-Mason Music Foundation (1985), as well as a special prize for his performance of French music from the Robert Casadesus Competition (1989). In May 2000, he received the Richard French award from the Juilliard School, honoring his doctoral document on Ravel's Miroirs.

Korevaar’s teachers have included Earl Wild, Abbey Simon, and the French pianist Paul Doguereau (a student of Egon Petri, who worked with Ravel).

Ravel: Le Tombeau de Couperin, Miroirs, Gaspard de la Nuit,Maurice Ravel,David Korevaar,MSR Classics,Chamber Music & Recitals,Classical,Classical Composers,Keyboard,Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title

Average customer rating: Outstanding performance tour de force Ravel Piano Works- Pascal Roge Beautiful Works, Excellent Performance

Ravel: Piano Works Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Rogi, Pascal | ( R ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rogi, Pascal | ( R ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Debussy: Piano Works Satie: Piano Works After the Rain...The Soft Sounds of Erik Satie Liszt: Favourite Piano Works Ravel: The Piano Concertos; Valses nobles et sentimentales ASIN: B00000422W Release Date: 1994-11-15

Tracks:

1. Gaspard de la nuit: I Ondine
2. Gaspard de la nuit: II Le Gibet
3. Gaspard de la nuit: III Scarbo
4. Valses nobles et sentimentales: I Modere, tres franc
5. Valses nobles et sentimentales: II Assez lent, avec une expression intense
6. Valses nobles et sentimentales: III Modere
7. Valses nobles et sentimentales: IV Assez anime
8. Valses nobles et sentimentales: V Presque lent, dans un sentiment intime
9. Valses nobles et sentimentales: VI Vif
10. Valses nobles et sentimentales: VII Moins vif
11. Valses nobles et sentimentales: VIII Epilogue, lent
12. Jeux d'eau
13. Miroirs: I Noctuelles
14. Miroirs: II Oiseaux tristes
15. Miroirs: III Une barque sur l'ocean
16. Miroirs: IV Alborada del gracioso
17. Miroirs: V La Vallee des cloches

Tracks:

1. Sonatine: I Modere
2. Sonatine: II Mouvement de menuet
3. Sonatine: III Anime
4. Le tombeau de Couperin: I Prelude
5. Le tombeau de Couperin: II Fugue
6. Le tombeau de Couperin: III Forlane
7. Le tombeau de Couperin: IV Rigaudon
8. Le tombeau de Couperin: V Menuet
9. Le tombeau de Couperin: VI Toccata
10. Prelude
11. Menuet sur le nom d'Haydn
12. A la maniere de Borodine
13. Menuet antique
14. Pavane pour une infante defunte
15. A la maniere de Chabrier
16. Ma Mere L'Oye: Pavane de la Belle au bois dormant
17. Ma Mere L'Oye: Petit Poucet
18. Ma Mere L'Oye: Laideronnette, imperatrice des pagodes
19. Ma Mere L'Oye: Entretiens de la Belle et de la Bete
20. 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!

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 Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bach: French Suites / Angela Hewitt Bach: The Six Partitas / Angela Hewitt Bach: The Toccatas Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier (book 1) Chabrier: Piano Music ASIN: B000063TSM Release Date: 2002-05-14

Tracks:

1. Menuet antique
2. Pavane pour une infante defunte
3. Sonatine: Modere
4. Sonatine: Mouvement de menuet
5. Sonatine: Anime
6. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Modere-tres franc
7. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Assez lent
8. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Modere
9. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Assez lent
10. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Presque lent
11. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Vif
12. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Moins vif
13. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Epilogue: Lent
14. Le Tombeau de Couperin: Prelude
15. Le Tombeau de Couperin: Fugue
16. Le Tombeau de Couperin: Forlane
17. Le Tombeau de Couperin: Rigaudon
18. Le Tombeau de Couperin: Menuet
19. Le Tombeau de Couperin: Toccata

Tracks:

1. Serenade grotesque
2. Jeux d'eau
3. Gaspard de la nuit: Ondine
4. Gaspard de la nuit: Le Gibet
5. Gaspard de la nuit: Scarbo
6. Menuet sur le nom d'Haydn
7. Prelude
8. A la maniere de Borodine
9. A la maniere de Chabrier
10. Miroirs: Noctuelles
11. Miroirs: Oiseaux tristes
12. Miroirs: Une barque sur l'ocean
13. Miroirs: Alborada del gracioso
14. 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.

I enjoy Angela's chameleon-like ability to play Bach as Bach, Ravel as Ravel, Granados as Granados, etc...Her technique is marvellous but, unlike many other great pianists, her ego takes a back seat and lets the composers/compositions shine in their own right.

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 Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ravel: Music for Four Hands Ravel: The Complete Solo Piano Music ASIN: B0000VM3Y0 Release Date: 2004-01-20

Tracks:

1. Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
2. I Prelude
3. II Fugue
4. III Forlane
5. IV Rigaudon
6. V Menuet
7. VI Toccata
8. Serenade Grotesque
9. Jeux D'eau
10. I Adelaide. Modere - Tres Franc
11. II Assez Lent - Avec Une Expression Intense
12. III Modere
13. IV Assez Anime
14. V Presque Lent - Dans Un Sentiment Intime
15. VI Vif
16. VII Moins Vif
17. VIII Epilogue. Lent
18. La Valse

Tracks:

1. I Ondine. Lent
2. II Le Gibet. Tres Lent
3. III Scarbo. Modere
4. Majestueusement
5. Mouvement De Menuet
6. Allegro Giusto
7. Paraphrase Sur Un Air De Gounod - Allegretto
8. Assez Lent Et Tres Expressif
9. I Noctuelles. Tres Leger
10. II Oiseaux Tristes. Tres Lent
11. III Une Barque Sur L'ocean. D'un Rythme Souple
12. IV Alborada Del Gracioso. Assez Vif
13. V La Vallee Des Cloches. Tres Lent
14. I Modere
15. II Mouvement De Menuet
16. 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: 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 Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | 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 Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet Liszt: Works for Piano and Orchestra Clara Haskil: Philips Recordings, 1951-1960 ASIN: B0002RUAEM Release Date: 2004-11-02

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

1. 1. Ondine
2. 2. Le Gibet
3. 3. Scarbo
4. 1. Modere
5. 2. Mouvement De Menuet
6. 3. Anime
7. 1. Prelude
8. 2. Fugue
9. 3. Forlane
10. 4. Riguadon
11. 5. Menuet
12. 6. Toccata
13. 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.

Average customer rating: Great Ravel! 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 Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | 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] Complete Orchestral Works Debussy: Complete Chamber Music ASIN: B0002XV2Y8 Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

1. Serenade Grotesque
2. Menuet Antique
3. Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
4. Jeux D'Eau
5. 1: Modere
6. 2: Mouvement De Menuet
7. 3: Anime
8. 1: Noctuelles: Tres Leger
9. 2: Oiseaux Tristes: Tres Lent
10. 3: Une Barque Sur L'Ocean: D'Un Rythme Souple
11. 4: Alborada Del Gracioso: Assez Vif
12. 5: La Vallee Des Cloches: Tres Lent

Tracks:

1. 1: Ondine: Lent
2. 2: Le Gibet: Tres Lent
3. 3: Scarbo: Modere
4. Menuet Sur Le Nom D'Haydn
5. 1: Modere/Tres Franc
6. 2: Assez Lent (Avec Une Expression Intense)
7. 3: Modere
8. 4: Assez Anime
9. 5: Presque Lent (Dans Un Sentiment Intime)
10. 6: Vif
11. 7: Moins Vif
12. 8: Epilogue: Lent
13. Prelude
14. Borodine: Valse/Allegro Giusto
15. Emmanuel Chabrier (Paraphrase Sur Un Air De Gounod, Faust, Acte 3): Allegretto
16. 1: Prelude: Vif
17. 2: Fugue: Allegro Moderato
18. 3: Forlane: Allegretto
19. 4: Riguadon: Assez Vif
20. 5: Menuet: Allegro Moderato
21. 6: Toccata: Vif

Customer Reviews:

Great Ravel!.......2007-07-13

I think M. Collar is doing a really good job in this complete set of Ravel piano solo music (missing "La valse") The sound is very good for my taste ; clear and pearly. Very clean in the technically difficulties as well. I can feel his music very well. These are sensitive interpretations. I love them. I recommend this disc highly. Usually, I find out that pianists have too much the same sound for Debussy and Ravel. But here, we cannot mixed up! This is real Ravel sound.

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:

Ravel & Satie: Piano Works - Anne Queffelec (4 CD's) Anne Queffelec , Maurice Ravel , and Erik Satie 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 Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Passacaglias | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Debussy: Piano Works ASIN: B00030FJIU Release Date: 2004-11-16

Tracks:

1. 1. Tyrolienne Torque
2. 2. Danse Maigre/A La Maniere De Ces Messieurs
3. 3. Espanana
4. 1. Sur Un Vaisseau
5. 2. Sur Une Lanterne
6. 3. Sur Casque
7. 1. Sa Taille
8. 2. Son Binocle
9. 3. Ses Jambes
10. Petite Ouverture A Danser
11. A. Valse/Ballet
12. B. Fantaisie/Valse
13. Les Pantins Dansent
14. Caresse
15. Danse De Travers
16. 1. D'Une Maniere Tres Particuliere
17. 2. Modestement
18. 3. S'Inviter
19. 1. En Y Regardant A Deux Fois
20. 2. Passer
21. 3. Encore
22. Premiere Pensee Rose+Croix
23. Prelude De La Port Heroique
24. Passacaille
25. Prelude En Tapisserie
26. Poudre D'Or
27. Maniere De Commencement
28. Prolongation Du Meme
29. Morceau 1/Lentement
30. Morceau 2/Enleve
31. Morceau 3/Brutal
32. En Plus (Calme)
33. Redite (Dans Le Lent)
34. Grande Ritournelle
35. 1. Marche (Franco Lunaire)
36. 2. Valse Du (Mysterieux Baiser Dans L'Oeil)
37. 3. Cancan (Grand-Mondain)

Tracks:

1. No. 1 Lent
2. No. 2 Avec Etonnement
3. No. 3 Lent
4. No. 4 Lent
5. No. 5 Modere
6. No. 6 Avec Conviction Et Avec Une Tristesse Rigoureuse
7. Severe Reprimande
8. Seul A La Maison
9. On Joue
10. Chez Le Marchand D'Or
11. Danse Cuirassee (Periode Grecque)
12. La Defaite Des Cimbres (Cauchemar)
13. Celle Qui Parle Trop
14. Le Porteur De Grosses Pierres
15. Regrets Des Enfermes (Jonas Et Latude)
16. No. 1 Lent Et Douloureux
17. No. 2 Lent Et Triste
18. No. 3 Lent Et Grave
19. 1. D'Holothurie
20. 2. D'Edriophthalma
21. 3. De Podophthalma
22. Je Te Veux
23. 1. Allegro
24. 2. Andante
25. 3. Vivace
26. 1. Obstacles Venimeux
27. 2. Crepuscule Matinal (De Midi)
28. 3. Affolements Granitiques
29. Le Piccadilly-Marche
30. 1. Idylle, A Debussy
31. 2. Aubade, A Paul Dukas
32. Meditation, A Albert Roussel
33. Choral Inappetissant
34. La Balancoire
35. La Chasse
36. La Comedie Italienne (A La Napolitaine)
37. Le Reveil De La Mariee
38. Colin-Maillard
39. La Peche
40. Le Yachting
41. Le Bain De Mer
42. Le Carnaval
43. Le Golf
44. La Pieuvre
45. Les Courses
46. Les Quatre-Coins
47. Le Pique-Nique
48. Le Water-Chute
49. Le Tango
50. Le Traineau
51. Le Flirt
52. Le Feu D'Artifice
53. Le Tennis

Tracks:

1. Prelude
2. Fugue
3. Forlane
4. Riguadon
5. Menuet
6. Toccata
7. Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
8. Menuet Antique
9. Noctuelles
10. Oiseaux Tristes
11. Une Barque Sur L'Ocean
12. Alborada Del Gracioso
13. La Vallee Des Cloches

Tracks:

1. Jeux D'Eau
2. 1. Modere
3. Mouvement De Menuet
4. 3. Anime
5. Prelude
6. Serenade Grotesque
7. Modere
8. Assez Lent
9. Modere
10. Assez Anime
11. Presque Lent
12. Vif
13. Moins Vif
14. Epilogue: Lent
15. Menuet Sur Le Nom De Haydn
16. A La Maniere De Chabrier
17. A La Maniere De Borodine
18. Ondine
19. Le Gibet
20. Scarbo

Average customer rating: Awesome "Gaspard de la Nuit" Low Price....Low quality Destined to become a classic No better deal out there A must-have cd for piano fans

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 Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | 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:

1. Le Tombeau De Couperin
2. A La Maniere De Borodine
3. Menuet Antique
4. A La Maniere De Chabrier
5. Menuet Sur Le Nom De Haydn
6. Sonatine
7. Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
8. Jeux D'eau
9. Prelude
10. La Valse

Tracks:

1. Valses Nobles Et Sentimentales
2. Gaspard de la nuit: Ondine
3. Gaspard de la nuit: Le Gibet
4. Gaspard de la nuit: Scarbo
5. Miroirs: Noctuelles
6. Miroirs: Oiseaux tristes
7. Miroirs: Une barque sur L'ocean
8. Miroirs: Alborado del gracioso
9. Miroirs: Le Vallee des cloches

Customer Reviews:

Awesome "Gaspard de la Nuit".......2007-07-17

Abbey Simon's Vox recording of "Gaspard de la Nuit" has been my favorite Ravel recording for more than 35 years. Simon's playing is beautiful and profound, not only because of its technical mastery but also the depths the pianist reveals in these soundscapes. Listen closely to these pieces when all else is silent and you'll enter another world of imagination. This is not impressionism lite but an often dark evocation of mystery through the expressive power of the piano.

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.

Average customer rating: Sumptuous and Unique NOT as Ravel should be played... The music floats on air! The music floats on air! A Great Buy

Ravel: Piano Works Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B00000C2K9 Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

1. Le Tombeau de Couperin: Pr?lude
2. Le Tombeau de Couperin: Fugue
3. Le Tombeau de Couperin: Forlane
4. Le Tombeau de Couperin: Rigaudon
5. Le Tombeau de Couperin: Menuet
6. Le Tombeau de Couperin: Toccata
7. Pavane pour une infante dnte
8. Menuet antique
9. Miroirs: Noctuelles
10. Miroirs: Oiseaux tristes
11. Miroirs: Une barque sur l'oc
12. Miroirs: Alborada del gracioso
13. Miroirs: La valldes cloches

Tracks:

1. Jeux d' eau
2. Sonatine: I: Modere
3. Sonatine: II: Mouvement de menuet
4. Sonatine: III: Anime
5. Prelude
6. Serenade grotesque
7. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Modere
8. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Assez lent
9. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Modere
10. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Assez anime
11. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Presque lent
12. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Vif
13. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Moins vif
14. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Epilogue: lent
15. Menuet sur le nom de Haydn
16. A la maniere de Chabrier
17. A la maniere de Borodine
18. Gaspard do la nuit: Ondine
19. Gaspard do la nuit: Le gibet
20. Gaspard do la nuit: Scarbo

Customer Reviews:

Sumptuous and Unique.......2004-12-31

Anne Queffelec is one of the most interesting modern interpreters of Ravel. Like the great Gieseking, she plays these works as truly impressionistic music. I was impressed with how slowly Gieseking plays "Le Tombeau de Couperin," for instance, compared to most other pianists. It is far more effective. Ms. Queffelec's version captures this more thoughtful spirit and also has much better sound than Gieseking's. I have been mystified with performers like Entremont, Simon, Roge, Lortie and Thibaudet, who apparently see this as some kind of speed contest. Their versions, while all competently rendered, seem like cookie cutter versions of each other, compared with Ms. Queffelec's distinctive and very pleasing performance. I wish there were a recording by Jean Martinon on the piano, to demonstrate how beautifully this music can be rendered, since his orchestral version is second to none. (Again, this is in contrast to Charles Dutoit, who screams through the music as if he had a plane to catch). If you want to feel like you are in France on some sunny hillside where you can languish under a blue afternoon sky with a bottle of Beaujolais and baguette, this is for you.

NOT as Ravel should be played..........2003-10-08

Her artificial pauses (NOT AS WRITTEN IN THE SCORES) ruin the overall shape of the works. Her phrasing is FAR TOO SHORT FOR RAVEL, omg she can't focus for more than 4 bars sometimes. This pianist is technically fine but her "interpretation" of Ravel does a disservice to his music! I'd HATE to have listen her gag her way through the second movement of his concerto in G, imagine her pitiful little pauses and phrases added to a melody line the length of 56+ bars in length.

I'm really surprised a "Fanatic" in here reviewed it and commented on the rubato as a good thing! With Ravel? NEVER unless he wrote a darned comma into the score (as in his Valses Sentimentales) then MOVE ON and CONTINUE the MUSIC. Don't pause for breath. The phrasing is in the BALNCE and the COLOR of the instrument and how the pianist brings it out. This one FAILS!

Yuck yuck and YUCK!

The music floats on air!.......2002-05-03

If you have to limit yourself, as I do in my office, to only a few dozen CDs, this is one that has to be on your list. Beautiful, light, and airy, are just a few words to describe the album as a whole. It is also nicely recorded too.

The music floats on air!.......2002-05-03

If you have to limit yourself, as I do in my office, to only a few dozen CDs, this is one that has to be on your list. Beautiful, light, and airy, are just a few words to describe the album as a whole. It is also nicely recorded too.

A Great Buy.......2002-03-04

Until buying this CD, I had yet to find a good recording of Ravel's complete piano works. I had tried the Abbey Simon and Werner Haas recordings and was dissapointed. This CD is the one I had been looking for. A great buy and bargain. She plays technically very well and brings out everything that should be brought out in the music and knows how to play Ravel. Buy it!!

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 Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Casadesus, Robert | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | 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 Ravel: Piano Works Bach: Well-Tempered Clavier Piano Quintet in F Min / Complete String Quartets (1, 2, 3) ASIN: B000007QCI Release Date: 1998-06-16

Tracks:

1. Pavane pour une infante defunte
2. A la maniere de Chabrier
3. A la maniere de Borodine (Valse)
4. Sonatine: I. Modere
5. Sonatine: II. Mouvement de Menuet
6. Sonatine: III. Anime
7. Miroirs: I. Noctuelles
8. Miroirs: II. Oiseaux tristes
9. Miroirs: III. Une Barque sur l'oc
10. Miroirs: IV. Alborada del gracioso
11. Miroirs: V. La Vallee des cloches
12. Ma Mere L'Oye: I. Pavane de la Belle au bois dormant
13. Ma Mere L'Oye: II. Petit Poucet
14. Ma Mere L'Oye: III. Laidernonette, Imperatrice des Pagodes
15. Ma Mere L'Oye: IV. Les Entretiens de la Belle et de la B
16. Ma Mere L'Oye: V. Le jardin feerique
17. Habanera (de Sites auriculaires)
18. Jeux d'eau
19. Prelude In A Minor
20. Menuet sur le nom d'Haydn
21. Berceuse sur le nom de Gabriel Faure

Tracks:

1. Le tombeau de Couperin: I. Prelude
2. Le tombeau de Couperin: II. Fugue
3. Le tombeau de Couperin: III. Forlane
4. Le tombeau de Couperin: IV. Rigaudon
5. Le tombeau de Couperin: V. Menuet
6. Le tombeau de Couperin: VI. Toccata
7. Valses nobles et sentimentales
8. Menuet antique
9. Gaspard de la nuit: I. Ondine
10. Gaspard de la nuit: II. Le Gibet
11. Gaspard de la nuit: III. Scarbo
12. 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: Modern Ravel, played to perfection and beautifully recorded 5 Stars, outstanding performance Exquisite Ravel

Ravel: Complete Piano Works Manufacturer: MD&G Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Hymne à la Nuit: Piano Music by Franz Liszt Ravel: L'Oeuvre pour piano Chopin Valses (Waltzes) Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde; Symphony No. 4 Marc-Andre Hamelin: It's All About the Music ASIN: B0000C4EXA Release Date: 2004-01-20

Tracks:

1. Ondine
2. Le Gibet
3. Scarbo
4. Jeux D'eau
5. Modere
6. Mouvement De Menuet
7. Anime
8. Noctuelles
9. Oiseaux Tristes
10. Une Barque Sur L'ocean
11. Alborada Del Gracioso
12. La Vallee Des Cloches

Tracks:

1. Prelude
2. Fugue
3. Forlane
4. Rigaudon
5. Menuet
6. Toccata
7. Prelude
8. Serenade Grotesque
9. A La Maniere De ... Borodine. Valse
10. A La Maniere De ... Emmanuel Chabrier. Paraphrase Sur Un Air De Gounod
11. Menuet Antique
12. Menuet Sur Le Nom De Haydn
13. I. Modere - Tres Franc
14. II. Assez Lent
15. III. Modere
16. IV. Assez Anime
17. V. Presque Lent
18. VI. Vif
19. VII. Moins Vif
20. VIII. Epilogue. Lent
21. Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte

Customer Reviews:

Modern Ravel, played to perfection and beautifully recorded.......2007-04-09

Based on the two positive critiques from my fellow Amazonians and the glimpses that the excerpts provided on the contents of this double CD, I am glad that I chose this decidedly modern take on Ravel's complete piano work that combine the highest technical proficiency with a superbly clear recording.

While I was exposed to the complete recordings by Casadesus and Perlmutter from (too) early childhood, it was a live perfomance in the early seventies by Andre Watts of Le Tombeau -ignore a previous review; it is a piano original and a great one at that- that gave me true appreciation for this composer.

Before deciding on the purchase of this set prospective buyers should ask themselves how much they enjoy Pierre Boulez' most recent recordings of Ravel's orchestral works. If the answer is "a lot", this recording is definitely one for you. However, if preferences point more in the direction of Ansermet, Munch and Martinon, it may be better to stay with the classics like Casadesus and Perlmutter, or more recent versions by Entremont, Roge and Thibaudet.

Ravel is a neo-classicist and not a (post)-romantic composer. While the Bertrand poems that form the basis of his most acclaimed cycle and his embrace of the Lisztian piano inferno give the composer a rooting in the 19th century, his works that were admired by the likes of Schoenberg are decidedly of a more modern vein. Although Ravel himself never went far in challenging tonality or established musical format, a very strong rooting in harmonics and a resulting superb sense of color allowed him to carve out a very special and personal niche in the repertoire.

On April 1st I was among the lucky ones to attend Aimard's Zankel Hall perspective concert/lecture in which he covered 3 centuries of keyboard repertoire. Among the pieces/fragments that he played and discussed was Ravel's Ondine, which opens this album. Aimard demonstrated beautifully how the composer by choosing the base melody of ground note and all mayor harmonics had explored all the microharmonics resulting from the interference between the natural (Pythagorean) and equally tempered tuning of the instrument. Adding inventive rhythmic variation this piece conjures up an aural equivalent of a "mist" of the finest drops that took any of Liszt's "water music" to an entirely new level.

Bavouzet clearly approaches Ravel from the Aimard (and his "master" Boulez) perspective. Combining his approach with a very clear and bright century old Steinway and a sonically highly pure recording he presents a modern, excellently idiomatic Ravel standard. His technique is superb and even the most difficult passages in Scarbo keep him unfazed. Both Michelangeli and especially Pogorelich have used their superb technique to turn Scarbo into an updated Liszt inferno. However, both the biographical evidence and the Bertrand poem point out that while Ravel aimed to write a piece that was more difficult that Balakirev's Islamey, Scarbo himself is more whimsical than diabolical. Bavouzet's performance reflects this understanding since he beautifully contrasts the whimsical ghost and the awakening of subconscious fears of the subject, to close the piece with pianistic laughter that is reminiscent of the first movement of Alkan's "Les quatres ages".

The other major pieces like the Mirroirs and Tombeau get equally authoritative performances. Le barc sur L'Ocean swims in shimmering harmonics and the Alborada del Gracioso is technically superb and is unmatched in keeping the sonata form together. The Tombeau is at the same high level. No recording that I have heard establishes the link with Couperin in the opening movement so strongly. While this performance may lack the superb vision of Weissenberg's version that can be found on his "Les Introuvables de Alexis Weissenberg' album, the playing remains exemplary.

I think that a remark regarding the "romanticism" of Ravel by the previous reviewer does not reflect the current thinking about this composer. Yet, the combination of the relative "brightness" of this recording and the Bavouzet's modern approach deprives some of the pieces of a certain warmth and intimacy, that especially the listeners who grew up with Casadesus and Perlmutter may be accustomed to. "Victims" include the Minuet from the Tombeau, the Pavane and the Minuet Antique.

Yet IMHO the glass is more than 95% full and I would encourage all Ravel lovers to rush to get this beautifully recorded album before it is too late.

5 Stars, outstanding performance.......2005-11-29

I have to concur with Steiger's opinion of Bavouzet's understanding of Ravel's incredibly difficult music. Bavouzet has certainly accomplished bringing out nuances that no school can teach, as both the tech's and the poetic are balanced perfectly on this recording.
Refer to my review of Pascal Roge in Ravel, which is another exceptional recording.
Also Alexandre Tharaud makes a 3rd definitive recording.
you ask "how can there be 3 definitives?" It is possible as each has mastered all aspects of this wonderful music.

EDIT:
I just heard Bavouzet in the Le Tombeau de Couperin. Before I knock his aweful translation of this work made best for orch and NOT piano solo, I need to say I heard Tharaud's clips (my copy is lent out) and from Roge and Jacques Rouvier, all 4 pianists take the opening to Le Tombeau too fast for my taste, and then in other movements none really capture my attention. I really do not care for any of the 4 pianists in Tombeau. Now for orch version I love it immensely. Martinon and Skrowaczewski.

Ravel, the genius and flowering of the romantic tradition.
Paul

Exquisite Ravel.......2005-01-21

No matter how many recordings of Ravel's piano music you have, you owe it to yourself to hear these beautiful performances by Bavouzet. The first thing you'll notice is the piano itself, a 1901 Steinway, not as smooth and rich in tone as the current pianos, but remarkably clear, capable of the most subtle nuances of touch, full of character, and perfectly suited to Ravel's piano music. Bavouzet's performaces balance ardor and restraint. His might be termed "classical" (as opposed to "romantic") Ravel, but he never sounds cold or mechanical, as some pianists do in this music. Tempi are well-chosen throughout, though there are a few surprises (the Forlane in "tombeau de Couperin" is faster than I've ever heard it. I prefer a somewhat slower tempo, but Bavouzet makes a case for his sprightly interpretation). Bavouzet's "Gaspard de la nuit" is at once grotesque and poised, and his dignified performace of the Pavane reminds us that Ravel insisted that he wrote a Pavane for a Dead Priness, not a Dead Pavane for a Princess. The sound of these cds is beautifully balanced, allowing every subtle nuance of Bavouzet's playing to register. If you love Ravel's piano music as much as I do, you will definitely want to add these discs to your collection.

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