In "Ravel & Duparc: Aimer et mourir – Danses et mélodies," conductor Robin Ticciati and the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, along with soprano Magdalena Kožená, present a captivating exploration of French melodic and dance traditions. Released on Linn Records in September 2018, this album is a testament to Ticciati's second season at the helm of the orchestra, showcasing his nuanced interpretation of Ravel's impressionistic textures and Duparc's evocative songs.
The album opens with Ravel's orchestral masterpiece, "Daphnis et Chloé Suite No. 2," a lush and vivid score that sets the stage for the rest of the program. The suite is followed by a selection of Henri Duparc's songs, including "L'invitation au voyage," "Au pays où se fait la guerre," and "Chanson triste," each performed with sensitivity and depth by Kožená. These songs, with their poetic texts and rich harmonies, provide a stark contrast to the orchestral works.
Ravel's "Valses nobles et sentimentales" form the heart of the album, with Ticciati and the orchestra delivering a performance that is both rhythmic and graceful. The eight waltzes, each with its own distinct character, are played with clarity and precision, highlighting Ravel's innovative use of orchestration.
The album concludes with "Aux étoiles," a hauntingly beautiful song by Duparc that leaves a lasting impression. Throughout the album, Ticciati's conducting is marked by a keen sense of pacing and dynamics, drawing out the full expressive potential of the music. The Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin responds with playing that is both virtuosic and nuanced, making this a standout release for fans of French orchestral and vocal music.
