Maurice Ravel (2006)

The Labèque sisters' recordings on the Philips and London labels from the early '80s, which were big hits, largely disappeared after their initial acclaim and, as of the early 2000s, were only found in excerpts on compilations. So as the big labels continue to abandon new classical recordings, the Labèques started their own record label, as many other artists have done, allowing them the freedom to choose what kind of music they want to record, whether it be standard piano duet repertoire or new interpretations of Lennon ... Read More

The Labèque sisters' recordings on the Philips and London labels from the early '80s, which were big hits, largely disappeared after their initial acclaim and, as of the early 2000s, were only found in excerpts on compilations. So as the big labels continue to abandon new classical recordings, the Labèques started their own record label, as many other artists have done, allowing them the freedom to choose what kind of music they want to record, whether it be standard piano duet repertoire or new interpretations of Lennon and McCartney. Their first release on their KML Recordings is this collection of works by fellow Basque countryman Maurice Ravel. Even here, they don't stick to just his music for two pianos or piano four-hands; Katia and Marielle also each throw in a solo (Prèlude and Menuet Antique, respectively). And they haven't lost their touch. The Rhapsodie Espagnole has lush, very sultry coloring, played with delicacy and their nuanced, yet imperceptible control of their articulation, even in... Read Less