Ravel: Boléro; Pavane; Piano Concerto in G; Alborada del Gracioso

• Main performer: Andrew Litton
• Booklet languages: English
• Time: 64:11
• Release Date: 2004

Review

When two-thirds of a disc is taken up with greatest-hits in routine performances, it almost doesn't matter that the last third is devoted to a work of great substance, or that it is marvelously played -- the presentation works against it by reducing the chances that it will be heard with fresh ears, if at all. Because the performances by Libor Pesek and the Philharmonia of Ravel's Boléro, Pavane pour une infante défunte, Alborada del gracioso, and La valse are standard issue, with little to distinguish them from other ordinary renditions, listeners should immediately skip ahead to tracks 5-7. The Piano Concerto in G major, performed by Andrew Litton and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, is best appreciated first, with a clear head, because its subtleties are myriad but elusive to the inattentive or distracted. One of the twentieth century's greatest piano concertos, it is striking in its blending of jazz-styled melodies and Impressionistic harmonies with Baroque, Classical, and Romantic motives; yet Ravel never sacrifices his Mozartian balance and elegance to show off flashy techniques or to overplay his witty references. Litton's spry playing in the Allegramente and the Presto is impressive, and the orchestra is vibrantly colorful. But the Adagio deserves the highest marks for its beautiful lines, glowing timbres, and sensitive expression. ~ Blair Sanderson, Rovi

Performances

Composer	Title	Time
Maurice Ravel	Boléro, ballet for orchestra	15:17
Maurice Ravel	Pavane pour une infante défunte, for piano (or orchestra)	6:59
Maurice Ravel	Alborada del Gracioso, for orchestra	7:29
Maurice Ravel	La valse, poème choréographique for orchestra	11:49
Maurice Ravel	Piano Concerto in G major	22:37

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