Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Maurice Ravel with this captivating album, released on August 17, 2018, under Sony Classical. This collection showcases three of Ravel's most celebrated works, offering a rich tapestry of classical piano music that spans a total of 51 minutes.
The album opens with "Gaspard de la Nuit, M. 55," a trio of virtuosic piano pieces inspired by the eerie poetry of Aloysius Bertrand. Each movement—"Ondine," "Le Gibet," and "Scarbo"—paints a vivid, otherworldly scene, demonstrating Ravel's mastery of color and texture in piano composition.
Next, "Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61" invites you into a world of elegance and nostalgia. This suite of waltzes, composed in 1911, is a blend of refinement and sentiment, with each movement offering a unique mood and tempo, from the bold and lively "Modéré, très franc" to the intimate and reflective "Presque lent, dans un sentiment intime."
The album concludes with "Ma mère l'Oye, M. 60," a suite of five piano pieces based on popular fairy tales. Originally written for piano duet, Ravel later orchestrated these pieces, creating a magical soundscape that brings to life the enchanting tales of "Pavane de la Belle au bois dormant," "Petit Poucet," "Laideronnette, Impératrice des pagodes," "Les Entretiens de la Belle et de la Bête," and "Le Jardin féerique."
Performed with exquisite skill and sensitivity, this album is a testament to Ravel's enduring genius and a treat for any classical music enthusiast. Whether you're a longtime fan of Ravel's music or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a delightful journey through some of his most beloved compositions.
Vinylscout