Dive into the world of classical piano with Ralph van Raat's captivating album, featuring two iconic works: Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" and Debussy's "La mer". This album, released on Naxos in January 2018, offers a unique blend of minimalism, classical piano, and avant-garde genres, all masterfully interpreted by the talented Dutch pianist Ralph van Raat.
The album opens with Debussy's "La mer", a three-movement orchestral work that has been expertly arranged for solo piano by L. Garban. Van Raat's performance brings to life the eerie beauty and rhythmic complexity of the sea, from the dawn to noon in "De l’aube à midi sur la mer" to the playful waves in "Jeux de vagues", and the dramatic dialogue between the wind and the sea in "Dialogue du vent et de la mer".
The second half of the album is dedicated to Stravinsky's groundbreaking ballet "The Rite of Spring", arranged for piano by V. Leyetchkiss. This work is a seminal piece in the history of music, known for its primal power and innovative rhythms. Van Raat's performance captures the essence of the ballet's two parts, "Adoration of the Earth" and "The Sacrifice", from the mysterious augurs of spring to the intense sacrificial dance.
With a total duration of 58 minutes, this album is a testament to Van Raat's technical prowess and musical sensitivity. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to impress and inspire.
(C) 2018 Naxos(P) 2018 Naxos
Tracks
La mer, L. 109 (Arr. L. Garban for Piano): No. 1, De l’aube à midi sur la merClaude Debussy, Ralph van Raat
La mer, L. 109 (Arr. L. Garban for Piano): No. 2, Jeux de vaguesClaude Debussy, Ralph van Raat
La mer, L. 109 (Arr. L. Garban for Piano): No. 3, Dialogue du vent et de la merClaude Debussy, Ralph van Raat
The Rite of Spring, Pt. 1 "Adoration of the Earth" (Arr. V. Leyetchkiss for Piano): No. 1, IntroductionIgor Stravinsky, Ralph van Raat
The Rite of Spring, Pt. 1 "Adoration of the Earth" (Arr. V. Leyetchkiss for Piano): No. 2, The Augurs of SpringIgor Stravinsky, Ralph van Raat
The Rite of Spring, Pt. 1 "Adoration of the Earth" (Arr. V. Leyetchkiss for Piano): No. 3, Ritual of AbductionRalph van Raat
The Rite of Spring, Pt. 1 "Adoration of the Earth" (Arr. V. Leyetchkiss for Piano): No. 4, Spring RoundsIgor Stravinsky, Ralph van Raat
The Rite of Spring, Pt. 1 "Adoration of the Earth" (Arr. V. Leyetchkiss for Piano): No. 5, Ritual of the Rival TribesIgor Stravinsky, Ralph van Raat
The Rite of Spring, Pt. 1 "Adoration of the Earth" (Arr. V. Leyetchkiss for Piano): No. 6, Procession of the SageIgor Stravinsky, Ralph van Raat
The Rite of Spring, Pt. 1 "Adoration of the Earth" (Arr. V. Leyetchkiss for Piano): No. 7, Dance of the EarthIgor Stravinsky, Ralph van Raat
The Rite of Spring, Pt. 2 "The Sacrifice" (Arr. V. Leyetchkiss for Piano): No. 1, IntroductionIgor Stravinsky, Ralph van Raat
The Rite of Spring, Pt. 2 "The Sacrifice" (Arr. V. Leyetchkiss for Piano): No. 2, Mystic Circles of the Young GirlsIgor Stravinsky, Ralph van Raat
The Rite of Spring, Pt. 2 "The Sacrifice" (Arr. V. Leyetchkiss for Piano): No. 3, Glorification of the Chosen OneIgor Stravinsky, Ralph van Raat
The Rite of Spring, Pt. 2 "The Sacrifice" (Arr. V. Leyetchkiss for Piano): No. 4, Evocation of the AncestorsIgor Stravinsky, Ralph van Raat
The Rite of Spring, Pt. 2 "The Sacrifice" (Arr. V. Leyetchkiss for Piano): No. 5, Ritual Action of the AncestorsIgor Stravinsky, Ralph van Raat
The Rite of Spring, Pt. 2 "The Sacrifice" (Arr. V. Leyetchkiss for Piano): No. 6, Sacrificial DanceIgor Stravinsky, Ralph van Raat
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