Ravel: Boléro; Rapsodie espagnole

On this CD:

1. Boléro, ballet for orchestra (or piano)
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Eduardo Mata

2. La valse, poème choréographique for orchestra (or piano)
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Eduardo Mata

3. Rhapsodie espagnole for orchestra (or 2 pianos) Prélude à la nuit
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Eduardo Mata

4. Rhapsodie espagnole for orchestra (or 2 pianos) Malagueña
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Eduardo Mata

5. Rhapsodie espagnole for orchestra (or 2 pianos) Habanera
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Eduardo Mata

6. Rhapsodie espagnole for orchestra (or 2 pianos) Feria
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Eduardo Mata

7. Le tombeau de Couperin, for orchestra Prélude
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Eduardo Mata

8. Le tombeau de Couperin, for orchestra Forlane
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Eduardo Mata

9. Le tombeau de Couperin, for orchestra Menuet
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Eduardo Mata

10. Le tombeau de Couperin, for orchestra Rigaudon
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Eduardo Mata

11. Miroirs, for piano (or orchestra) Alborada del gracioso
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Eduardo Mata

Ravel: Boléro; Rapsodie espagnole, Music, Maurice Ravel, Eduardo Mata, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music, Classical, Classical Music, Keyboard, Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title, Orchestral, Orchestral Music
Ravel: Bolero; La Valse; Rapsodie Espagnole [Hybrid SACD]
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A must-listen for audiophiles
  • Grandes, buenas y no muy buenas interpretaciones
  • Outstanding Performances
  • In a class of its own
 Ravel: Bolero; La Valse; Rapsodie Espagnole [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0006PV5US
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Tracks:

  1. Bolero
  2. La Valse
  3. Prelude A La Nuit
  4. Malaguena
  5. Habanera
  6. Feria
  7. Gigues
  8. Par Les Rues Et Par Les Chemins
  9. Les Parfums De La Nuit
  10. Le Matin D'un Jour De Fete
  11. Rondes De Printemps

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A must-listen for audiophiles.......2006-07-15

RCA is leading the way in releasing hybrid SACDs at mid-price, after a decade when we were asked to pay a hefty premium for the new technology. They have selected choice itmes from the Living Stereo catalog, and as a result RCA's reisues are at the forefront of the industry. Munch's famous collection of Ravel and Debussy from the Fifties has always been an audiophile favorite, but its SACD incarnation, even if you listen through two-channel stereo instead of surround sound, is impeccable for spaciousness and detail

Munch's interpretations are self-recommending. Boulez and Karajan surpass these readings in finesse and precision, but Munch brought excitment to French music without undue sophistication and fussiness. The wind solos in Bolero, for example, aren't self-conscoiusly nuanced; they are played for direct, sometimes brash impact and the thrill of Ravel's orchestral magic. The same holds true for everything else here.

3 out of 5 stars Grandes, buenas y no muy buenas interpretaciones.......2006-07-13

El contenido artístico de este Hybrid SACD contempla obras impresionistas de los titulares franceses.

Por un lado, Ravel, con su Bolero y bajo la dirección de Munch, a mi gusto no llena la expectativa comparado con otras opciones disponibles de esta obra. Lo que Munch no alcanza, es ese nivel de tensión creciente conforme también crece la riqueza orquestal de la obra, la cual debería interpretarse como un crescendo constante hasta alcanzar el climax; en el caso de Munch, arranca bien, pero se mantiene relativamente constante en el medio de la obra y el climax aparece casi exclusivamente en la última recapituación del tema principal.

La Rapsodie Espagnole, otra obra subproducida en interpretación; por largo están otras que, sin necesariamente ser las mejores, superan a esta rendición, como por ejemplo Giulini con la Orquesta Sinfónica de Chicago, también con la Filarmónica de Los Angeles o Karajan en su última rendición de esta misma obra...

Por el lado de La Valse, la realidad cambia drásticamente y encontramos una calidad artística de muy alto nivel en lo referente a esta obra; obviamente, ayuda en mucho la tecnología DSD y el sonido obtenido a través del SACD. Bien podría erigirse como la referencia en lo que respecta a la misma.

Finalmente, Debussy con sus Imágenes para Orquesta, cuyo sonido es intoxicantemente delicioso, no así la consistencia de la interpretación, la cual presenta momentos sublimes de inspiración y otros muy lejanos a este estándar.

No me cabe la menor duda de que el Sr. Munch fue un gran ícono en su época; no obstante, su época se encuentra en el pasado y podríamos obtener mayor calidad interpretativa en grabaciones más recientes, a excepción segura, de lo referido en La Valse.

Por último, el sonido obtenido a través del DSD y SACD compra el tiquete para disfrutar este CD con el mejor sonido que se pueda obtener de estas interpretaciones históricas, lo cual en muchos casos los tienen muy bien merecido, como en la gran mayoría de lanzamientos realizados por RCA de las interpretaciones de Fritz Reiner.

5 out of 5 stars Outstanding Performances.......2005-10-19

Munch and the Boston Symphony combine the ultimate in orchestra playing with a power and muscularity sometimes missing in these works. This RCA issue is also one of the best transfers of LP to CD, with solid bass and even some bloom from the horn player's instruments.
It's amazing to realize one would have had to spend more for this recorded music when it first came out than we pay today.
If you enjoy this issue the entire series of reissues of orchestra music by RCA is very good. Especially not to be missed is Reiner's performances of Bartok.

5 out of 5 stars In a class of its own.......2005-10-18

It's clear that RCA must be the champion of re-release and re-packaging, but then again this famous Ravel/Debussy disc from the mid-fities in the Living Stereo series remains in a class of its own. The winning combination of Charles Munch and the Boston Symphony musicians set standards of orchestral virtuosity, sense of atmosphere (one can really smell the fragrances of the night in Debussy's "Images") and full-blooded excitement that have hardly ever been equalled, let alone surpassed. And very few have proven more authoritative and eloquent than Charles Munch in the French repertory.

Available now in convincingly enhanced SACD sound quality (which is indeed an improvement of its previous CD-guises in clarity, warmth and pure sonic impact), this is one of the greatest discs of Ravel and Debussy of all time.
Ravel: Boléro / Ma Mère L'Oye (complete ballet) / Rapsodie espagnole / Une Barque sur l'océan / Alborada del Gracioso - Berliner Philharmoniker / Pierre Boulez
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Ravel-ation!! ECSTACY
  • Boulez Has the Perfect Ear for Ravel
  • Popular Ravel Works
  • Ravel In Berlin With Boulez
  • The best Bolero
 Ravel: Boléro / Ma Mère L'Oye (complete ballet) / Rapsodie espagnole / Une Barque sur l'océan / Alborada del Gracioso - Berliner Philharmoniker / Pierre Boulez

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001GLO
Release Date: 1994-06-14

Tracks:

  1. Ballett: Prelude: Tres lent
  2. Tableau: 1er Tableau: Dance Of The Spinning Wheel And Scene
  3. Tableau: 2e Tableau: Pavane Of The Sleeping Beauty
  4. Tableau: 3e Tableau: Conversations Of Beauty And The Beast
  5. Tableau: 4e Tableau: Tom Thumb
  6. Interlude
  7. Tableau: 5e Tableau: Laideronnette, Empress Of The Pagodas
  8. Apotheose: 6e Tableau: The Fairy Garden
  9. Une Barque sur l'ocean: Tres soule de rythme
  10. Alborada del gracioso: Assez vif
  11. Rapsodie espagnole: Prelude a la nuit: Tres modere
  12. Rapsodie espagnole: Malaguena: Assez vif
  13. Rapsodie espagnole: Habanera: Assez lent et d'un rythme las
  14. Rapasodie espagnole: Feria: Assez anime
  15. Bolero: Tempo di Bolero moderato assai

Amazon.com

The Berlin Philharmonic never has had much opportunity to play Ravel, which is a pity because under Pierre Boulez they do it extremely well. Under their current music director, Claudio Abbado, the orchestra more often than not sounds positively comatose. How gratifying then, that with a dynamic conductor and music that's fun to play, they rouse themselves to sound like the world-class ensemble they really can be when they're not resting on their laurels. Boléro is really smashing, with a knockout final cadence, and the solo players in all of these works cover themselves with glory. This is a great Ravel disc. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Ravel-ation!! ECSTACY.......2007-06-24

I'm no musicologist, but I know what I like: Debussy, Ravel,Vaughan Williams... the early 20th century romantics.. (along with jazz, post-punk, the Beatles and Frank Zappa) and this recording of Ravel's Ma Mere l'Oye is superb!!! I heard the Hong Kong Sinf perform it recently, and had to have a recording. Pierre Boulez and the Berliner Phil do not disappoint. This is as close as anyone is likely to get to audio-heaven: the last movement of this ballet. Wonderful!! Us ordinary mortals are truly blessed to have composers like Ravel channelling this music from the heavens!!!

5 out of 5 stars Boulez Has the Perfect Ear for Ravel.......2006-05-23

These are fine, tight performances of Ravel. Boulez's unequalled talent for detailing orchestra pitch is on fulsome display here. Of particular interest is the mesmerizing performance of the Mother Goose ballet - all the various orchestra climaxes are scintillating. Of the other pieces, while neither the Alborado or Rhapsodie quite equals the sinuous sexuality Reiner and Munch brought out in the music, Boulez, who has been leading top-drawer concerts of Ravel from his earliest days as a conductor, is certainly unrivaled today in this repetoire.

5 out of 5 stars Popular Ravel Works.......2006-01-30

The French composer, Maurice Ravel, is often described as an impressionist. I find his music more vivid than the haze of impressionism usually elicits, and the music on this CD is some of his most vivid and descriptive, not to mention in terms of popularity. Bolero, Rhapsodie Espagnole, Alborada del Gracioso, Une Barque sur l'ocean, and the complete Mother Goose Ballet are all among those vivid compositions.

The Mother Goose ballet has five scenes from various fairy tales: Dance of the Spinning Wheel, Pavane of the Sleeping Beauty, Conversations of the Beauty and the Beast, Tom Thumb, Empress of the Pagodes, as well as a prelude, interlude, and a finale entitled Fairy Garden; all totaling 28 minutes. Each tableaux provides a vivid musical portrait of the fairy tale: the Dance of the Spinning Wheel has a constantly moving string undercurrent, while the Pavane for Sleeping Beauty has beautifully woven melodies in the winds, a lovely calm awaiting Prince Charming. Conversations of the Beauty and the Beast is a charming waltz where, perhaps, the girl is falling in love, while Tom Thumb has direct portrayals of bird trills and calls. The festive Empress of the Pagodes has an Asian pentatonic melody in a spirited dance, but it all culminates in the Fairy Garden, with a lush hymn set in 20th century fullness, bringing the work to close. Wonderfully colorful with lyric melodies for the woodwinds, charming dances, and special effects on the strings (glissandos, slides, harmonics, col legno, etc.) give the work a fantastical feel. Also on the disk is Une Barque sur l'ocean, an ultra Romantic depiction of the sea. Great swellings of waves occur in the music, first peacefully, with gently oscillating winds and strings, but eventually more aggressive. Very descriptive in nature, Ravel's colorful orchestral writing is an optimistic view of the sea, with occasional woodwind melodies insinuating melancholy, or loneliness at sea.

The other three works on the disk are all based in Spanish folk-rhythms and sequences. The seven minute Alborada del Gracioso is a dancing orchestral showpiece with a two-against-three feel, which erupts into a glorious exclamation before immediately calming down. Whirlwinds of harp, flutes, and clarinets, along with quickly repeated trumpet notes, castanets, and a lonely bassoon solo, make the work a tour de force. The 16-minute Rhapsodie Espagnole is in four movements (Prelude to the Night, Malaguena, Habanera, and Festival), and on the whole, a rather understated work of impressionism. The opening prelude has an unceasing, unresolved feeling, as well as a rhythmic displacement that lasts throughout. The Malaguena is a quiet, but snappy dance in 3, while the Habanera is a sluggish dance with a jerky feeling. The Festival finale is the most outgoing, and besides the Bolero, has the most extensive writing for brass on the CD. The famous Bolero, with its sassy melody and natural crescendo (by adding instruments to increase volume), is an orchestral standard. Made famous by its unrelentless rhythmic ostinato and catchy melody, the work includes unique orchestrations, including solos in extreme ranges and use of saxophones (tenor and soprano). The work brings the disk to a rousing close.

Pierre Boulez is a pre-eminent Claude Debussy interpreter, and his experience there is utilized successfully in this Ravel CD. Boulez follows the score intently, sometimes to a fault; he follows the extreme dynamic ranges and Ravel's articulation markings (sometimes making the listener have to adjust the volume in order to hear). Although the Berlin Philharmonic is an unusual choice for a French composer, with often needed delicate handling, they fare quite well, often setting a transparent quality, but thoroughly enjoying the raucous dance settings. Featuring some of Ravel's most vivid and descriptive music, and certainly famous works, this CD should satiate the average listener as a great introduction to Ravel, but the winning performance and 4-dimension DG digital sound should win over the rest. Good choice for these popular works. TT: 75.33

5 out of 5 stars Ravel In Berlin With Boulez.......2005-11-20

Maurice Ravel remains one of the greatest composers of the 20th century, alongside his fellow Frenchman Claude Debussy. This 1993 recording of five of Ravel's works shows why, helmed as these works are by one of the great conductors of all times, Pierre Boulez, in a stunningly fine recording with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.

The recording gives us Ravel's complete ballet "Ma Mere L'Oye" (Mother Goose), with its exquisite and lush orchestration; the brilliant "Une Barque Sur L'Ocean" (A Boat On The Ocean); and the familiar rhythms of "Alborada Del Gracioso" and "Rapsodie Espagnole", reflecting the Spanish influence that permeated much of Ravel's music (as well as his having grown up along the border between France and Spain). The recording climaxes with that great experiment of 20th century music making, the celebrated "Bolero", a work that, thanks to its rhythmic simplicity and its basis in Spanish/Arabian music, has never fallen out of style (and which had its popularity boosted further on the big screen in 1979 by its use in director Blake Edwards' comedy-drama "10").

Boulez, no slouch as a composer either, is often thought of as a rather cold and emotionless conductor who, like Leopold Stokowski before him, directs without a baton (Boulez once joked that holding a baton "made his hands freeze"). Such a perception is not entirely accurate, however, just to judge from the way he is able to handle these Ravel works, particularly the mega-popular "Bolero", with the Berliners. The orchestra had recorded that work on two separate occasions, in 1964 and 1977 respectively, under Karajan, but both times the piece felt slower than it was supposed to be. Under Boulez's direction, however, "Bolero" moves very freely, and with an undercurrent of occasional menace. The performances of "Mother Goose", "Alborada Del Gracioso", "A Boat On The Ocean", and "Rapsodie Espagnole" are also handled with considerable panache by Boulez and the Berliners.

This is a hugely recommended recording, for the sheer pleasure of Boulez interpreting a fellow Frenchman's great works with one of the world's premiere orchestras.

5 out of 5 stars The best Bolero.......2004-08-30

I've heard quite a lot of recorded Bolero performances. Some are exciting without techincal perfection. Some have great orchestral ensemble without first-rate solo performances. This Bolero by Berliners and Boulez has everything.

Solo performances (flute, clarinet, saxophones, trombone, and all) are all simply marvelous, with _both_ perfect technique and taste. The orchestral ensemble is perfect. After all, it's the Berlin Philharmonic. Nevertheless (I say "nevertheless") the perfomance is passonate and exciting. Other passonate recordings out there go beyond the orchestra's capacity and go wild with disastrous ensamble. The capacity of the Berlin Philharmonic is so high that they can be (and are) passionate without sacrificing techincal perfection.

Who said Boulez was cold? He seems to set priority on perfection over emotion. But, when he _does_ already have perfection, he no longer has any reason to restrain his emotion. Only then was this great achievement of modern orchestra possible.
Ravel: Boléro; La Valse; Rapsodie espagnole; Alborada del gracioso; Le Tombeau de Couperin
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Haunting Ravel from Paris
  • Karajan Conducts Ravel: Hot French/Spanish Music
 Ravel: Boléro; La Valse; Rapsodie espagnole; Alborada del gracioso; Le Tombeau de Couperin

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000A2H7QS
Release Date: 2005-08-02

Tracks:

  1. Alborada Del Gracioso ('Miroirs' No.4) Rapsodie Espagnole
  2. I. Prelude A La Nuit
  3. II. Malaguena
  4. III. Habanera
  5. IV. Feria
  6. I. Prelude
  7. II. Forlane
  8. III. Menuet
  9. IV. Rigaudon
  10. La Valse - Poeme Choregraphique
  11. Bolero - Berliner Philharmoniker

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Haunting Ravel from Paris.......2006-02-13

There are magical sounds on this CD that no one else, not even Boulez, has ever extracted from Ravel's socres. The Rapsodie espagnole in particular, taken almost at a stasis and often in a whisper, is transformd. No longer a glossy also-ran to Debussy's Iberia, the work is spellbinding, entirely due to Karajan's ability to get the Orchestre de Paris (which he briefly led, along with Berlin and Vienna--an achievement never duplicated) to play with transcendent refinement.

The La Vale is equally hypnotic--Karajan finds more than a touch of the ghostly painter Redon in these melancholy, eerie works. EMI's sound is a bit distant but very detailed and natural. As a non-lover of Ravel, I must concede that this is great music when played at such a level.

5 out of 5 stars Karajan Conducts Ravel: Hot French/Spanish Music.......2005-10-02

This remastered recording features Karajan in his prime conducting Ravel music with both the Orchestra De Paris and Berlin Philharmonic. The sound is terrific and the rich melodic and seductive music of Ravel's take on Spanish music has never sounded hotter. The Bolero was made famous through its use in the film "10" with Dudley Moore, Bo Derek and Julie Andrews. It was music that Bo Derek's character intended to hear while making love. Maurice Ravel, a French composer of the turn of the century and early twentieth century, was highly influenced by the music of France's southern neighboor Spain. The music is very Spanish in nature and very sexually-charged. To the best of my knowledge, Zubin Mehta's rendition of the Bolero is the best, though Bernstein and Karajan really deliver it with sizzling hot intensity. La Valse, composed when Ravel's mother died, is sumptuous, slow and develops into a wild frenzy, all done with great orchestral virtuosity. The energy of the Rapsodie Espagnole has never soundes so vibrant and the Alobrada del Gracioso is charming. The melancholy and Baroque-style Tomb of Couperin is also a winner. EMI continues to be the foremost record label of classical music, along with Deutsche Grammophone. They have even surpassed RCA which seems to have faded away and continues to market only pieces that have been on the market for years. Any true fan of classical music, of Maurice Ravel and Herbert Von Karajan, will want to buy this recording. It is excellent.
Ravel: Bolero; Rapsodie Espagnole; Pavane; Alborada del Gracioso; Daphnis et Chloe, Suite no. 2
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Authoratative Ravel
 Ravel: Bolero; Rapsodie Espagnole; Pavane; Alborada del Gracioso; Daphnis et Chloe, Suite no. 2

Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000005E8A
Release Date: 1992-10-13

Tracks:

  1. Daphnis et Chloe: Deuxieme Suite: Lever du Jour - Pantomime - Danse generale
  2. Rapsodie espagnole: I. Prelude
  3. Rapsodie espagnole: II. Malaguena
  4. Rapsodie espagnole: III. Habanera
  5. Rapsodie espagnole: IV. Feria
  6. Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
  7. Alborada Del Gracioso
  8. Bolero

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Authoratative Ravel.......2000-08-29

This disc is a collection of Some of Ravel's best and most famous works for orcestra: Suite no. 2 of Daphnis et Chloe, Rhapsodie Espagnole, Pavane, Alborada del Gracioso, and, of course, Bolero.

Daphnis et Chloe started out as a full ballet with an orchestra and choir. The ballet itself was never very popular, but the last part of the music (with or without the voices), also known as Suite no. 2, has had continuing success. It starts out with the most amazing musical representation of dawn I have ever heard, moves into a long flute solo (beautifully played here by Donald Peck), then into a boisterous dance in 5/4 meter. The subtleties of the music here are excellently captured by Barenboim; it is clear simply in this first track that he is a conductor very sensitive to the music.

Next comes Rhapsodie Espagnole, or Spanish Rhapsody. The prelude, with its constant overlay of E D# C# C is followed by the wonderfully spanish sounding Malagueña. Then comes a pensive Habanera, then the dance-like Feria. The whole Rhapsody is performed with precision.

My favorite tracks on the disc follow. First is the exquisite Pavane pour une Infante Defunte (Pavane for a Dead Princess). Pavane, as most of Ravel's orchestral pieces, started out as a piece for piano. He wrote it while he was somewhat young, and it became a worldwide favorite, which it should have. Toward the end of his career freed it to the orchestra. The orchestral version is twice as exquisite as the original, and here is presented with such delicacy and pathos that it is not to be missed.

Next is a piece that began life in a piano suite entitled "Miroirs", Alborada del Gracioso, which in Spanish roughly means "The Comedian's morning song". This piece, like the Malagueña of the Rhapsody, sounds so delightfully Spanish with its triplets and rhythms that it makes you want get up and move. Barenboim's interpretation stays on tempo and the entirity of the fast sections simply dance in themselves and not a note is missed, even in the impossible repeated triplets (which are especially hard for pianists playing the original, such as myself). The slow section is wonderfully melancholic and the ending makes one fully aware as to why the piece has the title it does.

Finally comes the famous Bolero. Ravel supposedly said once, "I have written one masterpiece, Bolero, only it contains no music." The piece is a continuous repetition of two melodies, one diatonic, one not, gradually growing louder and louder and more fully instrumentated till the ending. The gradual increase here is, as is the entire disc, excellently executed. Barenboim and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra have made an excellent collection of pieces from an excellent composer. Any Ravel enthusiast should buy this disc.
Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé Suites; Rapsodie espagnole; etc.
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé Suites; Rapsodie espagnole; etc.

    Manufacturer: RCA
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
    Ravel, MauriceRavel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    SymphoniesSymphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Baroque | Classical | General | Modern & 20th Century | Romantic | Sinfonia | Sinfonia Concertante
    Maazel, LorinMaazel, Lorin | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B0002DD67E
    Release Date: 2004-07-13

    Tracks:

    1. Daphnis Et Chloe Suite No. 1
    2. Daphnis Et Chloe Suite No. 2
    3. I. Prelude A La Nuit
    4. II. Malaguena
    5. III. Habanera
    6. IV. Feria
    7. La Valse
    8. Bolero
    The Best of Ravel
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		The Best of Ravel

      Manufacturer: Naxos
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      PavanesPavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
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      ASIN: B000009M81
      Release Date: 1997-01-01
      Ravel: Boléro; Rapsodie espagnole; Debussy: Images
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • Excellent collection
      • Top-rank Bolero; a must-have disc
      		 Ravel: Boléro; Rapsodie espagnole; Debussy: Images

      Manufacturer: RCA
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      Ravel, MauriceRavel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      All Works by DebussyAll Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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      Similar Items:
      1. Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 35-41
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      ASIN: B000003FMW
      Release Date: 1994-03-15

      Tracks:

      1. Bolero
      2. La Valse
      3. Rapsodie espagnole: Prelude a la nuit
      4. Rapsodie espagnole: Malaguena
      5. Rapsodie espagnole: Habanera
      6. Rapsodie espagnole: Feria
      7. Images For Orchestra: Gigues
      8. Images For Orchestra: Iberia: Par les rues et par les chemins
      9. Images For Orchestra: Iberia: Les parfums de la nuit
      10. Images For Orchestra: Iberia: Le matin d'un jour de fete
      11. Images For Orchestra: Rondes du printemps

      Amazon.com

      Charles Munch was the opposite of the "intellectual" school of French conductors, as typified today by Pierre Boulez. He was a completely spontaneous artist, which is what made him the great Berlioz conductor of our time, and literally anything could happen when he got up onto the podium. It follows then, that his Ravel is not going to be the sort of hyper-precise, calculated sort of interpretation that many fans of the composer expect, but it will be exciting as hell. These three pieces are shrewdly chosen; they are the composer's most extrovert works, and Munch pulls out all of the stops in his performances of them. A classic recording, and a great memento of a unique artist. --David Hurwitz

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Excellent collection.......2002-05-03

      During Munch's tenure as conductor in chief of the Boston Symphony (1949-62), it was often referred to as the world's finest french orchestra. Why? Because the woodwinds and brass had a somewhat nasal and pointed sound, characteristic of French ensembles, but with significantly greater orchestral silkiness of tone, precision, and virtuosity, on a par with the world's finest orchestras. It is these characteristics, together with the volatile, intense nature of Munch's style, which makes these performances a very effective combination of sensuality, fire and elegance. The same is true of Munch's La Mer and Escales (Ports of Call), coupled with the Saint-Saens Organ Symphony on another Living Stereo album.
      A very worthwhile purchase!

      5 out of 5 stars Top-rank Bolero; a must-have disc.......2000-09-04

      Charles Munch imbued his interpretations of the French classics with a unique vitality and enthusiasm. In particular, he injected more insistent percussion and bolder brass into these works than any other conductor I've yet found (his Symphonie Fantastique, also in the RCA Living Stereo series, is a classic example of his art). And it all works so well. No pulled punches on the podium, and certainly no yawns in the seats. Even if you have other versions of these works that you love well, give this a shot. The Bolero alone is worth the price of the disc.
      Ravel: Boléro; Rapsodie espagnole; Pavane pour une infante défunte
      Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
      • Powerful and Sensuous
      • Wow--What a La Valse
      • A truly terrifying La Valse
      		 Ravel: Boléro; Rapsodie espagnole; Pavane pour une infante défunte

      Manufacturer: RCA
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      PavanesPavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
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      ASIN: B000003EPQ
      Release Date: 1991-07-05

      Tracks:

      1. Bolero
      2. Rapsodie espagnole: Prelude a la nuit
      3. Rapsodie espagnole: Malaguena
      4. Rapsodie espagnole: Habanera
      5. Rapsodie espagnole: Feria
      6. Pavan For A Dead Princess
      7. La Valse
      8. 'Mother Goose' Suite: Pavan Of The Sleeping Beauty
      9. 'Mother Goose' Suite: Hop-O'-My-Thumb
      10. 'Mother Goose' Suite: Laideronette, Empress Of The Pagodas
      11. 'Mother Goose' Suite: Beauty And The Beast Converse
      12. 'Mother Goose' Suite: The Fairy Garden

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Powerful and Sensuous.......2004-05-22

      I thought it would be interesting to compare performances of some of the major works of Ravel by listening to recordings of three long acknowledged masters of mainstream French repertoire---Pierre Monteux, Charles Munch and Jean Martinon. On their discs, all three offer nearly identically recorded selections, though Martinon's is a two disc set which includes some additional fine works by the composer. One other difference is that Munch plays the original Suite From Mother Goose, whereas Monteux and Martinon provide us with Ravel's later, sequence altered and more complete ballet version. Obviously, there are variations in the interpretations as well as sound quality given to each. Also, each conducts a different orchestra. Monteux has the London Symphony, Munch the Boston Symphony and Martinon the Orchestra de Paris. To keep the playing field level, my comments will concern only those recorded pieces that are common here to the three cds.

      Bolero, of course, is not only Ravel's most popular composition, but also one of the favorites of the entire classical repertoire. Many have enjoyed its exotic strains, though some attest it has been overexposed and have "gotten tired of it". Nevertheless, each presents a fine performance, but I believe Martinon's is the most impressive in both sonics and interpretation. Those characterful French woodwinds certainly do sing. Moreover, the sound is cleaner than that given to the others, and the perspective on the orchestra is close to ideal. Monteux's version, however, is solid. It is straightforward and musical. Munch's strength comes in the last portions of the piece....The Rhapsodie Espagnole is one of my favorites. Here, once again, Martinon scores with a reading that captures best the sense of color, sensuous atmosphere and flair the work is full of. Munch's Symphony Hall sound in Boston gives the music's body warmth and richness, and he too offers a fine reading. Monteux seems only slightly less interesting than the others....La Valse is also one of my favorites. Here, all three present enjoyable accounts. Monteux brings a nice rhythmic lilt and a hint of playful, romantic charm. Munch emphasizes drive and elan, though he borders on being boisterous at times. Martinon sings with lyricism and luxurious sensuality....Pavane For a Dead Princess is another wonderful work. Munch takes top honors here by imparting an air of nobility and an almost timeless quality. There is also some very beautiful harp playing....Finally, in Ma Mere l'Oye (Mother Goose) again, all three give very fine performances. Munch has superb dynamics and is colorful and tuneful. Monteux is poignant and loving. Martinon lays things out very clearly and nicely. There is an easy yet animated flow to his presentation, and it displays plenty of the atmosphere of child-like spirit and fantasy. Yes, overall, I tend to favor Martinon, but there's a lot to appreciate in Munch and Monteux. I really don't think you will go wrong with any of these choices. There's a whole lot of marvelous music to enjoy here.

      5 out of 5 stars Wow--What a La Valse.......2002-02-05

      If you were to ask me the one reason the buy this CD, it would be for Munch's La Valse. It is absolutely spectacular. I remember the first time I heard this piece when I was younger, but never had it this much power.

      The compilation itself is a must. Munch was considered to have been the foremost Ravel interpreter of his time (today, it's Charles Dutoit). The Bolero is quite brilliant, and Munch touches-up the score at the end enough for the effect he wanted, but discretely enough as not to distort Ravel's score. It's one of the most exciting Boleros I've heard.

      The Pavane is not a piece I'm particularly fond of by itself, but I believe Munch conducts it superbly and the horn solo is quite full of longing.

      The Rapsodie Espagnole is another winner in this compilation. The finale of the last movement is exquisite, Munch bringing out a very Stravinsky-esque quality from it (Stravinsky and Ravel both studied with Rimsky-Korsakov, the first master orchestrator).

      The Mother Goose Suite is a piece I first encountered in my high school orchestra. I really didn't appreciate the work until this performance with Munch and the BSO. One can really see pictures in the mind's eye through his interpretation. The third movement is my personal favorite. He gives it just the right taste. Another recording to check out is the one Michael Tilson-Thomas made with the Philharmonia (I believe).

      The La Valse is amazing and breathtaking througout. The opening has just the right ammount of tension to foreshadow the climactic ending, but just enough to give way to the playful melody that follows. One can really hear Strauss' sound in the waltz, with a Ravel twist. The finale is fantastic and may terrify the weak of heart. The BSO is right on the heel of Munch and he's got them by the reins, giving just the right ammount of tension. Munch's control and restraint that gave this piece that tension would have made Toscanini proud!

      A must recording, it's not just one to get, but THE one to get.

      4 out of 5 stars A truly terrifying La Valse.......2000-07-17

      This was one of my first classical discs which I bought in 1963. It trumpeted the RCA Dynagroove process, had Bolero on the first side and Pavane and La Valse on the other side. This CD now includes Rapsodie Espagnole and Mother Goose, both recorded in the late 1950s. All of the pieces would be fine first choices for a basic library. The Bolero is powerful with Munch adding extra drums for the finale, though Munch speeds up the tempo during the piece. The Pavane is a rather quick runthrough, but James Stagliano's horn solo is quite beautiful. The CD's biggest selling point is the La Valse. As Munch conducts it, this has to be one of the most terrifying pieces ever composed, up there with Bartok's Miraculous Mandarin and Stravinsky's Le Sacre de Printemps. The BSO is right there with him all the way. Both the Rapsodie and the Mother Goose are quite beautiful. As usual, Richard Mohr and Lewis Layton did a marvelous job of recording these pieces.
      Ravel: Bolero; Rapsodie Espagnole
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • Coil yourself up and let yourself be mesmerized
      • Ravel lovers take note.
      • masterpiece
      		 Ravel: Bolero; Rapsodie Espagnole

      Manufacturer: Sony
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      5. Ormandy Conducts Sibelius & Grieg

      ASIN: B0000027UZ
      Release Date: 1992-06-02

      Tracks:

      1. Bolero
      2. Rapsodie espagnole: I. Prelude a la nuit
      3. Rapsodie espagnole: II. Malaguena
      4. Rapsodie espagnole: III. Habanera
      5. Rapsodie espagnole: IV. Feria
      6. Alborada del gracioso
      7. Le tombeau de Couperin: I. Prelude
      8. Le tombeau de Couperin: II. Forlane
      9. Le tombeau de Couperin: III. Menuet
      10. Le tombeau de Couperin: IV. Rigaudon
      11. Valses nobles et sentimentales: I. Modere
      12. Valses nobles et sentimentales: II. Assez lent
      13. Valses nobles et sentimentales: III. Modere
      14. Valses nobles et sentimentales: IV. Assez anime
      15. Valses nobles et sentimentales: V. Presque lent
      16. Valses nobles et sentimentales: VI. Assez vif
      17. Valses nobles et sentimentales: VII. Moins vif
      18. Valses nobles et sentimentales: VIII. Epilogue. lent

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Coil yourself up and let yourself be mesmerized.......2003-08-07

      The audience is reduced to be a bunch of serpents and snakes in a pit and Ravel is the snake charmer. The audience has to be mesmerized and hypnotized by the music, by the flute, clarinet, bassoon, oboe, oboe d'amore, saxophone, strings and many others. The drums and the percussions are there to make the audience undulate, imposing a rhythm behind, over and beyond the melody, the simple musical line played over and over by all the other instruments in succession and together, make the audience undulate to the music, all of them coiled up on their tails, their heads swaying to the right and to the left, forward and backward. Hence the audience is swallowed up in some kind of obsession and obsessive domination that they come to like and desire in total abandon to the drowning flow of the music. A sudden modulation in E major introduces a break, a moment of relief maybe, of liberation maybe, but also a moment during which the audience may try to recapture control over themselves, but it is shortlived and the audience falls back into the loss of themselves in the music that drapes them in a straightjacket of pure enjoying of this total loss of control. And the piece crashes, and the audience crashes along with it in a resounding finale of percussions and strings, falling back onto the ground and breaking a few limbs at the same time. The levitation is over. The hypnosis is over. The audience find themselves crawling on the ground broken and beaten. It is a perfect composition showing how strong music can be when the composer dominates the orchestra and the composition so brilliantly. Note this piece of music is all the better when the instruments have deep and rich sonorities.

      Dr Jacques COULARDEAU, University of Perpignan

      5 out of 5 stars Ravel lovers take note........2003-02-07

      Eugene Ormandy, Charles Munch and The Philadelphia Orchestra produce here unique sensitive readings of Ravel's Bolero,
      Rhapsodie espagnole, Alborada del gracioso, and the Valses nobles et sentimentales. The stereo is stunning and the instruments are heard vividly in these complex orchestrations like no other CDs of these works I have heard. Although taped about 1960, the sound leaves nothing to be desired. These are fulfilling "new" readings of these orchestra showpieces. A real treaure in my music collection.

      5 out of 5 stars masterpiece.......2001-11-07

      this is the greatest classical CD i have ever heard.
      I love Debussy, Stravinsky, and Ravel, and this is an awesome
      preformance by Eugene Ormandy.
      I have listened to many other conductors of the same music
      and they just don't possess the mysticism of this MASTERPIECE.
      Ravel: Boléro; Rapsodie Espagnole; La Valse
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Ravel: Boléro; Rapsodie Espagnole; La Valse

        Manufacturer: Sony
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        PavanesPavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
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        ASIN: B000002990
        Release Date: 1994-05-31

        Tracks:

        1. Bolero
        2. Pavane pour une Infante dnte
        3. Rapsodie espagnole: I. Prelude a la nuit
        4. Rapsodie espagnole: II. Malague
        5. Rapsodie espagnole: III. Habanera
        6. Rapsodie espagnole: IV. Feria
        7. Alborada del gracioso
        8. La Valse. Po choraphique

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