Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Maurice Ravel's piano masterpieces with this captivating album, released in 1992 under the Nar Classical label. Spanning a little over an hour and nineteen minutes, this collection is a delightful journey through Ravel's diverse compositions, showcasing his unparalleled skill and creativity.
The album opens with "Histoires naturelles," a charming suite inspired by nature, featuring pieces like "Le paon" (The Peacock) and "Le cygne" (The Swan). Each track paints a vivid musical portrait, bringing the natural world to life with Ravel's signature elegance and wit.
Next, dive into the whimsical realm of "Ma Mère l'Oye" ("Mother Goose"), a set of five piano duets originally composed for children. These enchanting pieces, including "Pavane de la Belle au bois dormant" (Pavane of Sleeping Beauty) and "Le jardin féerique" (The Fairy Garden), are filled with magic and wonder, appealing to listeners of all ages.
The album continues with the vibrant "Rapsodie espagnole," a four-movement work that captures the spirit and passion of Spain. From the haunting "Prélude à la nuit" (Prelude to the Night) to the lively "Feria" (Fair), this suite is a celebration of Ravel's love for Spanish music and culture.
Finally, the album concludes with two of Ravel's most beloved waltzes: "La valse" and "Valses nobles et sentimentales." These exquisite pieces showcase Ravel's mastery of the waltz form, blending elegance, romance, and a touch of melancholy.
Performed by the Janáček Philharmonic under the direction of an unnamed conductor, this album is a testament to Ravel's enduring appeal and the timeless beauty of his music. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to his work, this collection is sure to enchant and inspire.
Histoires naturelles, M. 50, IMR 19: I. Le paon = The Peacock. Sans hâte et noblement (F Major). Il va surement se marier aujourd'huiMaurice Ravel, Sinfonie-Orchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Bruno Maderna, Nan Merriman
Histoires naturelles, M. 50, IMR 19: II. Le grillon = The Cricket. Placide (A Minor). C'est l'heure où, las d'errerMaurice Ravel, Sinfonie-Orchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Bruno Maderna, Nan Merriman
Histoires naturelles, M. 50, IMR 19: III. Le cygne = The Swan. Lent (B Major). Il glisse sur le bassinMaurice Ravel, Sinfonie-Orchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Bruno Maderna, Nan Merriman
Histoires naturelles, M. 50, IMR 19: IV. Le martin-pêcheur = The Kingfisher. On ne peut plus lent (F-Sharp Major). Ça n'a pas mordu, ce soirMaurice Ravel, Sinfonie-Orchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Bruno Maderna, Nan Merriman
Histoires naturelles, M. 50, IMR 19: V. La pintade = Guinea Hens or The Guinea‑fowl. Assez vite (E Major). C'est la bossue de ma courMaurice Ravel, Sinfonie-Orchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Bruno Maderna, Nan Merriman
Ma Mère l'Oye, M. 77, IMR 23: I. Pavane de la Belle au bois dormant. Lent (A Minor)Maurice Ravel, Bruno Maderna, Sinfonie Orchester des Südwestfunk Baden-Baden, Orchestre Phiharmonique de Radio France, Radio Sinfonie Orchester Berlin
Ma Mère l'Oye, M. 77, IMR 23: II. Petit Poucet. Très modéré (C Minor)Maurice Ravel, Bruno Maderna, Sinfonie Orchester des Südwestfunk Baden-Baden, Orchestre Phiharmonique de Radio France, Radio Sinfonie Orchester Berlin
Ma Mère l'Oye, M. 77, IMR 23: III. Laideronnette, Impératrice des pagodes. Mouvement de marche (F-Sharp Major)Maurice Ravel, Bruno Maderna, Sinfonie Orchester des Südwestfunk Baden-Baden, Orchestre Phiharmonique de Radio France, Radio Sinfonie Orchester Berlin
Ma Mère l'Oye, M. 77, IMR 23: IV. Les entretiens de la Belle et de la Bête. Mouvement de valse modéré (F Major)Maurice Ravel, Bruno Maderna, Sinfonie Orchester des Südwestfunk Baden-Baden, Orchestre Phiharmonique de Radio France, Radio Sinfonie Orchester Berlin
Ma Mère l'Oye, M. 77, IMR 23: V. Le jardin féerique. Lent et grave (C Major)Maurice Ravel, Bruno Maderna, Sinfonie Orchester des Südwestfunk Baden-Baden, Orchestre Phiharmonique de Radio France, Radio Sinfonie Orchester Berlin
Rapsodie espagnole, M. 54, IMR 38: I. Prélude à la nuit. Très modéré (A Minor)Maurice Ravel, Orchestra National, Bruno Maderna
Rapsodie espagnole, M. 54, IMR 38: II. Malagueña. Assez vif (A Minor)Maurice Ravel, Orchestra National, Bruno Maderna
Rapsodie espagnole, M. 54, IMR 38: III. Habanera. Assez lent et d'un rythme las (F-Sharp Minor)Maurice Ravel, Orchestra National, Bruno Maderna
Rapsodie espagnole, M. 54, IMR 38: IV. Feria. Assez animé (C Major)Maurice Ravel, Orchestra National, Bruno Maderna
La valse, M. 72, IMR 53: "Mouvement de valse viénnoise (D Major)"Maurice Ravel, Sinfonie Orchester de Süddeutsche Rundfunks, Bruno Maderna
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61, IMR 54: I. Modéré, très franc (G Major)Maurice Ravel, Orchestra Sinfonica di Roma della RAI, Bruno Maderna
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61, IMR 54: II. Assez lent, avec une expression intense (G Minor)Maurice Ravel, Orchestra Sinfonica di Roma della RAI, Bruno Maderna
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61, IMR 54: III. Modéré (E Minor)Maurice Ravel, Orchestra Sinfonica di Roma della RAI, Bruno Maderna
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61, IMR 54: IV. Assez animé (A-Flat Major)Maurice Ravel, Orchestra Sinfonica di Roma della RAI, Bruno Maderna
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61, IMR 54: V. Presque lent, dans un sentiment intime (E Major)Maurice Ravel, Orchestra Sinfonica di Roma della RAI, Bruno Maderna
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61, IMR 54: VI. Vif (C Major)Maurice Ravel, Orchestra Sinfonica di Roma della RAI, Bruno Maderna
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61, IMR 54: VII. Moins vif (C Major/A Major)Maurice Ravel, Orchestra Sinfonica di Roma della RAI, Bruno Maderna
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61, IMR 54: VIII. Épilogue. Lent (G Major)Maurice Ravel, Orchestra Sinfonica di Roma della RAI, Bruno Maderna
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