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5.0 out of 5 stars (5 customer reviews)
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stunning performances and sound., 20 Aug 2003
By S. Baird - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Orchestral Favourites (Lso, Monteux) (Audio CD)
I count five different CDs in my collection containing these very popular Ravel pieces, but none of them are quite so mesmerizing as this one. The complete ballet (Ma Mere l'Oye) may well be the best performance I've ever heard.You might think, "oh no, not another "Bolero," but while this one starts out a bit anxiously, it soon becomes one of the most adept performances of the work I've, again, ever heard. I found myself anxiously awaiting each of the instrumental replies, and all of them were perfectly stated: just the right pace and intonation; none overstated or limp.
Beyond that is the sound quality. This is near audiophile perfection, with a wide and deep sound stage (the likes of which are all to rare on orchestral recordings) with image specificity so lifelike that you can hear individual players that might have been separated by as little as a few feet. Throughout the recording the visceral impact of the tympani can be felt as well as heard; but the typani are not too closely miked as they are in many audiophile spectaculars. The perspective is always natural and plausible as it should be.
It's just too bad I can give this recording only five stars.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sensitive and moving, 21 May 2004
By Jeffrey Lee - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Orchestral Favourites (Lso, Monteux) (Audio CD)
I thought it would be interesting to compare performances of some of the major works of Ravel by listening to recordings of three long acknowledged masters of mainstream French repertoire---Pierre Monteux, Charles Munch and Jean Martinon. All three offer nearly identically recorded selections, though Martinon's is a two disc set which includes some additional fine works by the composer. Otherwise, Munch plays the original Suite From Mother Goose while Monteux and Martinon provide us with Ravel's later, sequence altered, more complete ballet version. Each conducts a different orchestra. Monteux has the London Symphony, Munch the Boston Symphony and Martinon the Orchestra de Paris. To keep the playing field level, my comments will concern only those recorded pieces that are common here to the three cds.
Bolero, of course, is Ravel's most popular composition, and also one of the favorites of the entire classical repertoire. Many have enjoyed its exotic strains, though some attest it has been overexposed and have "gotten tired of it". Nevertheless, each presents a fine performance, but I believe Martinon's is the most impressive in both sonics and interpretation. Those characterful French woodwinds certainly do sing. Moreover, the sound is cleaner than that given to the others, and the perspective on the orchestra is close to ideal. Monteux's version, however, is solid. It is straightforward and musical. Munch's strength comes in the last portions of the piece....In the Rhapsodie Espagnole Martinon scores again, with a reading that captures best the sense of color, sensuous atmosphere and flair the work is full of. Munch's Symphony Hall sound in Boston displays warmth and richness, and he too offers a fine reading. Monteux seems only slightly less interesting than the others....In La Valse all three present enjoyable accounts. Monteux brings a nice rhythmic lilt and a hint of playful, romantic charm. Munch emphasizes drive and elan, though he borders on being boisterous at times. Martinon sings with lyricism and luxurious sensuality....Pavane For a Dead Princess has Munch taking top honors. He imparts an air of nobility and an almost timeless quality. There is also some very beautiful harp playing....Finally, in Ma Mere l'Oye (Mother Goose) all three give very fine performances. Munch is superbly dynamic, colorful and tuneful. Monteux is poignant and loving. Martinon lays things out very clearly and nicely, and there is an easy yet animated flow to his presentation as well as a fine atmosphere of child-like spirit and fantasy. Yes, overall, I tend to favor Martinon, but there's a lot to appreciate in Munch and Monteux. I really don't think you will go wrong with any of these choices.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely Beautiful!, 3 Feb 2004
By Joseph Kimsey "Fareastnibelung" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Orchestral Favourites (Lso, Monteux) (Audio CD)
I can't add much to the excellent comments below. This is an absolutely essential disc for music lovers; I've never heard Ravel's music played with such sparkle and drive. The ballet Ma Mere l'Oye is beautiful, while the Latinate Rapsodie espagnole is all shimmering elegance. One of my all-time favorite pieces, Pavane pour une infante defunte is almost indescribably gorgeous. And yes, the set includes Ravel's warhorse, Bolero.This would be one of my desert island CDs. The 24-bit remastering is impeccable, and the price is very reasonable. Monteux's conducting is passionate, but never bombastic. For driving or walking on crisp autumn days, Maurice Ravel is most agreeable company. Highly recommended!
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