A very, very fine recording
Keith Peters | 08/22/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Yes, I know that most critics will tell people to go to the digital wonders of Charles Dutoit and the Montreal Symphony for these works or perhaps Martinon's earlier, more note perfect recordings with the Chicago Symphony during his ill-fated tenure with that organization, but if you take a little time and search out these mid 70s analog recordings, you will find idiomatic, beautiful readings by Martinon and the Parisians. There is no better recording of Le Tombeau de Couperin anywhere. The other pieces are wonderful as well. I just wish they had included Martinon's complete Daphnis (chorus included)with this collection. Hopefully, EMI will keep this and Martinon's Debussy sets (with the French National Radio Orchestra)in print for a long time."
Very good collection
Sungu Okan | Istanbul, Istanbul Turkey | 10/15/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This set contains almost complete orchestral works by Ravel (except Fanfare of "L'Eventaille de Jeanne" and Daphnis et Chloe)...The performances are excellent. Especially "La Valse" and "Le Tombeau de Couperin" are amazing. Bolero could be a little slower, but tempi aren't disturbing to listener."Scheherazade - Overture de feerie" is an early work and interesting work. And there is a Complete recording of his famous "Ma mere l'oye" ballet (with interludes)... Alborado del gracioso, as you know, is a typical colourful, joyful, enthusiastic composition and , as usual, this work written early for piano. Still, his all orchestral works are reductions from his piano. And this situation means that, Ravel is one of the great masters of orchestration of all time. "Le Tombeau de Couperin" is a remember to Baroque Composers if his country. Especially, "Forlane" is most beatiful movement of the work. And this work written for his dead soldier friends. Still, this work written in World War I years and, as you know, he was charged in this war.Highly recommended for any Ravel fans."