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.
What’s your favorite recording of…? What’s the best recording of…?
These are difficult questions! I’ve been collecting classical (and other genres) recordings for decades. At the beginning my favorites were the recordings that first made that work special to me. Later on I’d have more than one favorite. Now? There are things to like about many different performances.
It would be easy to say that my favorite recording of Ravel’s complete ballet, “Daphnis et Chloe” is the one conducted by the man who premiered it– Pierre Monteux. His 1959 stereo recording is one I would never want to be without. And then there’s Boulez (Berlin), Munch, Gielen, and Cluytens! They’re all excellent recordings in spite of their age.
But it should come as no surprise that there are two fine performances in modern recordings, both with 2 channel and multi-channel versions, and up to DSD 512 resolution.
The complete Daphnis is Ravel’s finest Orchestral work. Gimeno and Pappano offer excellent, but different interpretations. If you want a lush, impressionistic performance, Gustavo Gimeno with the Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg might be what you will prefer. You can close your eyes, and float away with it. The orchestra is excellent, as is the recording.
Sir Anthony Pappano with the London Symphony Orchestra has a more dramatic viewpoint, but at the same time lets you hear Ravel’s very sophisticated orchestration. It has the drama, but with attention to detail and texture. This is superb musicianship from all involved.
I don’t think you can go wrong with either one.
