Ravel: Complete Orchestral Works

Read About This Recording

Last year the Society issued the complete Beethoven Symphonies (MHS #5578389) in astounding performances conducted by Claudio Abbado. That set became an instant best seller and now MHS is pleased to be able to offer its members an astounding three-CD set of Maestro Abbado conducting the Complete Orchestral Works of Maurice Ravel.

This is a fantastic collection of some of the most beautiful and important symphonic works of the 20th century presented as an overview by one conductor and one orchestra.

The set opens with one of the most propulsive, yet beautifully shaped performances of "Bolero" you will ever hear. This hackneyed warhorse sounds absolutely fresh in Abbado's skillful reading. But you need to hear the sensitive performance of the "Mother Goose Ballet," or the excitingly paced Daphnis and Chloe to fully understand how sublime this set really is.

Every great Ravel work is here, the ones you know and some you may not know and each one is superbly interpreted. The London Symphony Orchestra plays like the great international ensemble it is and the solo parts are all beautifully articulated. Finally, the recorded sound is magical, allowing Ravel's rich orchestrations to sparkle.

This is the Ravel set that belongs in all collections.

—Jacob Anthony

Quotes

"The sophistication and power of these performances is something to marvel at." —Gramophone, 7/1991

"Abbado is on excellent form." —Penguin Guide

Contents

Bolero; Rapsodie espagnole; Ma Mere I'Oye; Pavane pour une Infante defunte; Daphnis et Chloe; Valses nobles et sentimentales; Le Tombeau de Couperin; Alborada del gracioso; Sheherazade; Menuet antique; Une barque sur I'ocean; Fanfare du ballet L'Eventail de Jeanne; La Valse.

Michael Davis, Violin; Paul Edmund-Davies, Flute; London Symphony Chorus & Orchestra; Claudio Abbado, Conductor.