Lyon National Orchestra & Leonard Slatkin - Ravel: Orchestral Works, Vol. 2 (2013/2015) [Hi-Res]

Maurice Ravel’s Valses nobles et sentimentales present a vivid mixture of atmospheric impressionism, intense expression and modernist wit, his fascination with the waltz further explored in La valse, a mysterious evocation of a vanished imperial epoch. Heard here in an orchestration by Marius Constant, Gaspard de la nuit is Ravel’s response to the other-worldly poems of Aloysius Bertrand, and the dance suite Le tombeau de Couperin is a tribute to friends who fell in the war of 1914–18 as well as a great 18th-century musical forbear. ‘It is a delightful and assorted collection…presented in splendid performances by the Orchestre National de Lyon led by their music director, the venerable American conductor Leonard Slatkin.’ (Classical.net)

„This is very clever programming, not only taking dance and the macabre as its main themes, but also framed by waltzes which end with the same hammered rhythm…a splendidly characterized La Valse, the lusciousness and glitter of the opening dance captured as much as the grisly build-up to its final horrifying climax.“ (BBC Music Magazine)

„Overall, the present disc provides a fascinating listening experience; apart from reservations about the Gaspard arrangement, it is as subtle and delightful as the cover painting suggests.“ (International Record Review)

„As before the American [Slatkin] shows real empathy with this magical repertoire, and he draws playing of uncommon composure and contagious application from his scrupulously prepared Lyons band…Producer/engineer Tim Handley has struck a most judicious balance and his sound is commendably truthful and wide-ranging. Wonderful value at Naxos’s price. Bring on the next installment.“ (Gramophone)

Orchestre National de Lyon
Leonard Slatkin, conductor

Digitally remastered