Search - Maurice Ravel, Abbey Simon :: Ravel: Complete Music for Solo Piano

REGARDLESS OF PRICE, IT DOESN'T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS

Melvyn M. Sobel | Freeport (Long Island), New York | 06/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here's yet another three disc vinyl Vox Box I cut my teeth on, finally transferred to CD in 1991. Growing up, and collecting records like they were going out of style (little did we know!), I must have had no less than four or five complete sets of Ravel's piano music; yet, the one that has remained in my collection is the Simon.



For me, Simon is the consummate Ravel pianist, and I've heard my share of Ravel (obviously). He's got "bite." He's got fluency, like liquid butter. He's got panache and a genuine "feel" for the Ravel idiom (a characteristic many pianists strive for, but never attain, that seems as natural as breathing to Simon); he's got "mystery." He's got charm, and an impish quality, too.



All this adds up to two major points: The Music. And the performer. Ravel and Simon merge seamlessly.



I've never heard a "Valses nobles et sentimentales" played with such verve, such sweep, such depth. Nor a "Tombeau de Couperin" with a mixture of heady expressionism, stealth and an intriguing waywardness.



As well, Simon's "Gaspard" and "Miroirs" are fabulous poetic etchings. And the Sonatine? Superb!



His "Pavane" is exquisitely touching; and "La Valse," thrilling.



The sound belies the age of these recordings: it is well-rounded, full, yet detailed, warm and present. It rivals many of today's high-priced, digital CDs, not only in sound, but performance.



Frankly, regardless of price, this VoxBox two-fer, is a critical Ravel resource, and Abbey Simon an invaluable guide.



[Running time--- CD 1: 65:18 CD 2: 70:11]"

Glorious performances at a glorious price.

Miles D. Moore | Alexandria, VA USA | 02/25/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Abbey Simon has a reputation as a pianist's pianist, and this two-disc collection demonstrates why. Simon is thoroughly at home in Ravel's world, whether it's the diabolical difficulty of "Gaspard de la Nuit" or the delicate simplicity of "Menuet Antique." His technique never falters, his tone is liquid gold. Especially considering the budget price of this CD set, there is no better choice in this particular repertoire."

Destined to become a classic

Robert L. Berkowitz | Natick, MA United States | 01/11/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I became familiar with this collection only after I had reviewed Louis Lortie's collection of Ravel's piano music. Although I gave Lortie a 5-star rating, and I believe that still holds true, I reach for Abbey Simon's collection more often. I also indicated that Lortie's recording had become my standard, and I am not sure I would continue to say that -- Simon has challenged Lortie in that position. I completely agree with the previous reviewers who note that this collection is a find at any price, and that the special characteristics of Abbey Simon's artistry finds its most perfect expression in Ravel's piano musicAbbey Simon has long been one of my favorite pianists. As some of the previous reviewers have indicated, he is a master of pianistic color, voicing and tone. His performances almost always have a unique signature that makes them distinguishable from everyone else. His piano, a Baldwin, also seems to have a unique sound -- with a big warm resonant bass and scintillating treble. The Vox analog recordings do a surprisingly good job of capturing his special tone and color. They were always among my favorite recordings even in the days of the LP.I knew Abbey Simon's recording of Gaspard de la Nuit from about 20 years ago from a Vox LP that also included Valses Nobles et Sentimentales. Despite having heard other performances of Ondine, after listening to Simon I just had to obtain the sheet music to learn the piece myself. I think no higher compliment can be paid to a pianist than that he inspires others to approach the music. More than any other pianist, Abbey Simon has re-introduced a familiar piece to me in a way that makes me want to play it. I fully agree with another reviewer who said that his Chopin recordings are worth obtaining as well.Abbey Simon is not as well-known as he should be. In years to come, many will look back on his recordings and wonder why he wasn't as prominent as many pianists who currently bask in the limelight. I believe these performances of Ravel, as well as many of his Chopin recordings, will be kept in the catalog for years to come and enjoy special status with listeners far into the future."