Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Maurice Ravel's piano masterpieces with this captivating album, released by Ondine in 2007. This collection showcases Ravel's extraordinary talent and innovation, featuring some of his most renowned compositions for solo piano.
The album opens with "Gaspard de la nuit," a trio of virtuosic pieces inspired by the eerie and fantastical poems of Aloysius Bertrand. Each movement—"Ondine," "Le gibet," and "Scarbo"—paints a vivid and haunting musical landscape, demonstrating Ravel's mastery of pianistic expression and technical brilliance.
Following this, the album presents "Miroirs," a set of five piano pieces that Ravel composed to reflect the personalities of his close friends. Each movement—"Noctuelles," "Oiseaux tristes," "Une barque sur l'ocean," "Alborada del gracioso," and "La vallee des cloches"—offers a unique and evocative musical portrait, showcasing Ravel's harmonic ingenuity and melodic charm.
The album concludes with "Jeux d'eau," an early work that reveals Ravel's burgeoning talent and his fascination with the musical representation of water. This playful and imaginative piece is a delightful prelude to the more complex and sophisticated works that follow.
Performed with exquisite artistry by Tzimon Barto, this album is a testament to Ravel's enduring influence on classical music and his unparalleled contribution to the piano repertoire. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Ravel's work, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
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