Javier Perianes (piano)
Orchestre de Paris, Josep Pons
As if in a mirror, this recording juxtaposes the original piano versions of two of Ravel's masterpieces ('Le Tombeau de Couperin' and 'Alborada del gracioso') with their respective orchestrations. The 'Concerto in G Major' combines the two facets, both when the piano is integrated into the overall sound and when it plays its role as a soloist. The subtle playing of Javier Perianes and the refined sonorities of the Orchestre de Paris, conducted by Josep Pons, also remind us that Spain was the most significant source of inspiration in Ravel's output.
What could be an exercise in comparison proves to be illuminating, shedding light on Ravel’s use of both piano and orchestra, for these are transformative mirrors. Crucially, the performances are fresh, engaging and marvellously recorded. The clean playing of Javier Perianes suits Ravel…The Orchestre de Paris plays with appealing bonhomie under Josep Pons, the colours of Le Tombeau glowing and the outer movements of the Concerto having a crackling effervescence…Fascinating, truly.
The performances are unquestionably strong...Perianes’s Alborada has terrific panache, bags of tone colour and an understated virtuosity that proves immensely persuasive, while his Tombeau has all the refinement and subtlety you could wish for: the filigree grace of the Fugue and the drive and wit of the closing Toccata are particularly beguiling. The Orchestre de Paris, similarly, are on superb form for Pons.
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