Search - Maurice Ravel, Kent Nagano, Lyon National Opera Orchestra :: Ravel: Le Tombeau de Couperin/Pavane pour une Infante Défunte/Ma Mère L'oye/Une Barque sur L'Océan/Alborada del Graci

Sheer poetry

Chris Honingh | Krommenie, NH Netherlands | 08/04/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The wavelength of Ravel's music is enormous, sometimes you feel a bit dizzy after listening to his music, especially when the orchestra plays Une Barque Sur L'Océan. I think that this is essential for a good interpretation of music; the intention of the composer is in essence abstract, but mood and impressionism are evident tools in the hands of the creator of musical fantasies. Almost the same program under Dutoit contains more and softer romanticism, this performance by Kent Nagano and the Opera National de Lyon is firmer, more expressive. The Alborada Del Gracioso is better here than under Eije Oue on the Reference Recording CD Ravel Orchestrations, in particular more Spanish in temperament. The sound quality of this recording is very good, there's a definite stage, and the instruments are easy to localize. The violins are sometimes a bit too prominent."