Welcome to ‘Dodd’s Discoveries’, a review series from NativeDSD Senior Music Reviewer Bill Dodd. This series focuses on Bill’s latest selections, with new reviews regularly. And the best part… the albums featured in the most current review will be available at a reduced price! Click the button below to see all of Dodd’s Discoveries and to find the current album(s) on sale.
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Ravel is not without his moments that call for fireworks— The descent into madness at the end of La Valse is an example. But Ravel was a meticulous craftsman who prized clarity and balance. Stravinsky called him a “perfect Swiss Watchmaker” in that regard. Igor said it with a smile, I think.
The two Piano Concertos can easily be enjoyed in a variety of performance styles, but a steady diet of histrionics, and virtuoso displays, while exciting once in a while, can be tiresome in the long run. What Nelson Goerner gives us is Ravel’s structural integrity and clarity, rather than “chewing the scenery.” His playing of the solo pieces reflect that same respect for Ravel’s intentions.
Add Yamada’s exceptional orchestral color and precision and the high production values that Alpha Classics provides in the recording, and you have performances that will satisfy consistently. And you can still pull out one of the fire-breathing recordings from time to time to shake things up.
This is the Ravel who wrote Daphnis et Chloe! The two concertos share the same clarity and color. If you listen with this in mind, you may agree that this is how this music should be performed. Highly recommended!
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