Ravel: Orchestral Works (1996)

Some may lament the absence of Boléro on this disc of Ravel's orchestral favorites, but others will be glad to see that EMI had the decency to dispense with it, in light of its ubiquity on countless other collections. Without it, the sumptuous Valses nobles et sentimentales, the enchanting Le Tombeau de Couperin, the vibrant Alborada del gracioso, and the exotic Rapsodie espagnole take pride of place. Listeners who might have skipped them before may appreciate their finer substance, and actually recall their melodies ... Read More

Some may lament the absence of Boléro on this disc of Ravel's orchestral favorites, but others will be glad to see that EMI had the decency to dispense with it, in light of its ubiquity on countless other collections. Without it, the sumptuous Valses nobles et sentimentales, the enchanting Le Tombeau de Couperin, the vibrant Alborada del gracioso, and the exotic Rapsodie espagnole take pride of place. Listeners who might have skipped them before may appreciate their finer substance, and actually recall their melodies without being distracted by Boléro's maddening earworms. André Previn and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra seem to relax a bit with the extra time afforded and give these works ample space to breathe, without rushing the pace or punching up the dynamics. Ravel's refined orchestration is lovingly shaped by the orchestra, and Previn draws out lines that are remarkably subtle and elastic. Of course, there has to be one "hit" on this album, the endlessly played Pavane pour une Infante défunte.... Read Less