Ravel's Piano Works

[James]

Hi folks, just curious...what is your favorite recording are for these. I'm looking to aquire a good set myself. Thanks in advance.

[Wallingford]

Well.......providing you're not a stickler for stereo sound, I'd unhesitatingly recommend ROBERT CASADESUS. He was a friend of the composer, and even "ghosted" on some of the surviving piano rolls supposedly played by the composer himself. Casadesus' set has been available on 2 Sony CDs for many years now.

If it's STEREO you want, you're in luck as far as limited dollars go (AND if you don't mind digitally-remastered analog sound, as opposed to pure digital), it'd possibly be ABBEY SIMON (on Vox/MMG) or PHILIPPE ENTREMONT (on Sony). Cheapy sets both, with good interpretive insight (if not nearly on Casadesus' level).

[rasputin]

An other good Ravelist was IMO french Marcelle Meyer. Her Chabrier was
also excelent.

[piston]

We have entered a more visual world, lately, and there is new blood, young artists who not only play with inspiration but beautifully on the screen. (What's wrong with beauty if the body language and the artistic performance are in perfect synchrony?). I have been listening to this young woman playing Gaspard de la nuit. I understand that she will also be playing with Hillary Hahn before long. Do check this tube out! My God, I am in love!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnkuJpGSSgY

[anasazi]

I agree with Wallingford about the Casadesus recordings. And although it's not stereo, it is very good modern sounding recording (referring to the Columbia Odyssey LP box set). And it's not like stereo can add much to recorded piano anyway (no bongos on the left channel so to speak). This set also includes the piano 4 hands "Ma Mere l'oye" with Robert's wife, Gaby joining him for the recording.

Another LP I would recommend is Ruth Laredo's Ravel album for CBS that came out (in the 1980 's?). Really wonderful Ravel, especiall the Sonatine.

For more modern CD recordings, I really also recommend the two Virgin CDs released by Anne Queffelec for the solo pieces and then the Chandos CD of Louis Lortie and Helene Mercier of the music for four hands. These really do rival the Casadesus recordings I think.

[val]

My favorite version is the one of Vlado Perlemuter. A beautiful sound and the elegance of the pianist. "Miroirs" are here almost ideal. "Jeux d'eaux" also.

But regading "Gaspard de la nuit", one of Ravel's greatest masterpieces, I think no one reached the fabulous version of Argerich. The same regarding the version of Marcelle Meyer of the Sonatina and Tombeau de Couperin.

So, my choice would be the Perlemuter recordings, with Argerich and Meyer in the three mentioned works.

[John F]

Another vote for Casadesus. His record of "Le Tombeau de Couperin" is a particular favorite.