Ravel: Orchestral Works

• Main performer: André Previn
• Booklet languages: English
• Time: 66:48

Review

Some may lament the absence of Boléro on this disc of Ravel's orchestral favorites, but others will be glad to see that EMI had the decency to dispense with it, in light of its ubiquity on countless other collections. Without it, the sumptuous Valses nobles et sentimentales, the enchanting Le Tombeau de Couperin, the vibrant Alborada del gracioso, and the exotic Rapsodie espagnole take pride of place. Listeners who might have skipped them before may appreciate their finer substance, and actually recall their melodies without being distracted by Boléro's maddening earworms. André Previn and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra seem to relax a bit with the extra time afforded and give these works ample space to breathe, without rushing the pace or punching up the dynamics. Ravel's refined orchestration is lovingly shaped by the orchestra, and Previn draws out lines that are remarkably subtle and elastic. Of course, there has to be one "hit" on this album, the endlessly played Pavane pour une Infante défunte. Fortunately, this short, quiet piece fits in with the performers' gentle approach overall, and works as a closer in spite of its extreme familiarity. EMI's sound quality is fine, though a little soft in spots. ~ Blair Sanderson, Rovi

Performances

Composer	Title	Time
Maurice Ravel	Valses (8) nobles et sentimentales, for piano (or orchestra)	18:01
Maurice Ravel	Le tombeau de Couperin, for orchestra	18:31
Maurice Ravel	Alborada del Gracioso, for orchestra	7:36
Maurice Ravel	Rhapsodie espagnole, for orchestra (or 2 pianos)	16:03
Maurice Ravel	Pavane pour une infante défunte, for piano (or orchestra)	6:37

Previous:	Ravel: Orchestral Versions of Gaspard de la nuit, Le tombeau de Couperin, Menuet antique, Pavane pour une infante déf
Next:	Ravel: Orchestral Works, Vol. 1 [Australia]