Ravel: Piano Concertos

by Alexandre Tharaud, Louis Langree, Orchestre National de France

Overview

Pianist Alexandre Tharaud, although he has recorded a wide range of music, is something of a Ravel specialist, having recorded all of the composer's solo piano music. Now, he rounds things out with Ravel's two piano concertos. The Piano Concerto in G major is one of the staples of the 20th century repertory, and Tharaud contributes a bright, quick, detail-packed performance that anyone will enjoy. He doesn't overdo the blues aspect of the first movement, which can speak for itself, and he has a perhaps quintessentially Gallic stylishness in his playing. Perhaps the highlight here is the Piano Concerto for the Left Hand, written for pianist Paul Wittgenstein (brother of the philosopher Ludwig), who had lost his right arm in World War I. This work is artfully set up so as to conceal the fact that only one hand is used, and it is quite imposing. It should carry just a hint of somberness that recalls the grim circumstances attending its composition, and Tharaud captures this nicely. Tharaud closes with a colorful reading of Falla's Nights in the Gardens of Spain that will send the listener out into the world in a cheerful mood. The Orchestre National de France under conductor Louis Langree is superb in music that is often technically difficult, with perfect brass and wind control in Ravel's jazzier effusions. This release landed on classical best-seller lists in the autumn of 2023. ~ James Manheim

Product Details

Release Date:	04/12/2024
Label:	Erato
UPC:	5054197660771
Rank:	52689

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Alexandre Tharaud   Primary Artist,Piano
Louis Langree   Primary Artist,Conductor
Orchestre National de France   Primary Artist,Orchestra

Technical Credits

Maurice Ravel   Composer
Manuel de Falla   Composer