Search - Maurice Ravel, Louis Lortie :: Louis Lortie Plays Ravel's Complete Works for Solo Piano

An overlooked set

Anthony S. | Chicago, IL USA | 05/04/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lortie's technique is assured and (I say this as a compliment) his approach seems to take Ravel's advice to heart: it suffices to perform the music rather than [over]interpret it. Ranks up there with Simon, Thibaudet, and Casadesus among other sets. Very good recorded sound."

Extraordinary

Alan Lekan | Boulder, CO | 11/02/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Now here is some fine playing of Ravel's solo piano music. While I may prefer the temp/feel/rubato of other performers in some pieces, Mr. Lortie delivers a wonderful presentation of Ravel's magical music.



No piece is more well done here than the legendary le Gaspard de la Nuit, one of the pinnicle compositions for solo piano in the 20th century (and most difficult to pull off). Being familiar with versions of Hewitt, Argerich and others, Louis Lortie's reading here brings out such clarity of notes that I literally heard the music as new. While others may being more sheer demonic power (Argerich), Lortie's breathtaking playing here may just well leave you with a new inspiration. In a piece tempting to be overpedelled (the great Martha Argerich for one dare I say can make a blurr of this piece in spite of her scintilizing performance), Lortie's pedeling is really impressive and creates such crystalinity and pureness in the music, wonderfully assisted by some amazing Chandos sound engineering. I am surprised more music experts have not weighed in here on his le Gaspard because the clarity of such a technically demanding piece as this really blew me away.



While le Gaspard is the highlight for me, I do admit I prefer slightly more Angela Hewitt's more feminine and dreamy flowing tempos is some of the other works. She has an innate sense for Ravel's poetry. But Lortie rules the dark night with a fabulous performance of le Gaspard de la Nuit and an overall exceptional complete works set. Compositions - 5 stars; Performance - 4.5 stars; Sound quality - 5 stars. Highly recommended."

A Set To Get

Christopher Henrici | Washington, DC United States | 02/25/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Completely satisfied with this. I don't have others to compare with I confess. But If you want the piano works by Ravel in one place getting this set is not a difficult choice. It definitely did not leave me wanting. Nice Maltings Snape recording too. Though I'm puzzled as to why there needs to be a "24 bit high definition" reissue of a performance that was originally recorded in 16 bit digital, answer that one for me Chandos."