Ravel: Gaspard de la nuit, M. 55 & Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61 & Ma mère l'Oye, M. 60

Dive into the enchanting world of Maurice Ravel with this captivating album, released on August 17, 2018, under Sony Classical. This collection showcases Ravel's mastery of classical piano with three distinct suites: "Gaspard de la Nuit," "Valses nobles et sentimentales," and "Ma mère l'Oye." Each piece is a testament to Ravel's unique compositional style, blending neoclassical elements with a touch of whimsy and elegance.

"Gaspard de la Nuit" is a trio of virtuosic piano pieces inspired by the poetry of Aloysius Bertrand, featuring the ethereal "Ondine," the haunting "Le Gibet," and the frenetic "Scarbo." "Valses nobles et sentimentales" offers a series of waltzes that are both noble and sentimental, showcasing Ravel's ability to convey a range of emotions through dance-like rhythms. "Ma mère l'Oye" is a charming suite of five piano duets, later orchestrated by Ravel, that bring to life fairy tales such as "Pavane de la Belle au bois dormant" and "Le Jardin féerique."

With a total runtime of 51 minutes, this album is a perfect introduction to Ravel's piano works, offering a blend of technical brilliance and lyrical beauty. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Ravel's music, this album is sure to delight and inspire.