Essential Ravel

Clarity, economy and impeccable control over melody, rhythm and instrumentation: all characteristics of the music of Maurice Ravel. But like the man who composed it, beneath the surface cool one detects the uncertainties of the time in which he lived. And while quintessentially French, it was music that regularly incorporated influences from other sources – whether Spain or the exotic East. The ‘Essential Ravel’ offers a selection his finest works, from the glistening dawn of the final scene of his ballet “Daphnis et Chloé” to “La Valse”, an apocalyptic vision in elegant 3/4 time.