Maurice Ravel - Ravel: Ma Mère l'Oye, Le tombeau de Couperin & Shéhérazade, ouverture de féerie (LP)

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Maurice Ravel with this captivating album, released on April 13, 2018, under the esteemed Harmonia Mundi label. Spanning a concise yet impactful 56 minutes, this collection showcases Ravel's mastery in classical and neoclassical compositions, performed with exquisite precision on the piano.

The album opens with "Ma Mère l'Oye" (Mother Goose), a suite of five piano duets that Ravel later orchestrated. Each movement is a delicate portrayal of classic fairy tales, from the spinning wheel dance in "Danse du rouet et scène" to the waltz-like "Les Entretiens de la Belle et de la Bête" and the march of "Laideronnette, impératrice des pagodes." The suite culminates in the grand "Apothéose. Le jardin féerique," a fitting finale to this whimsical journey.

Following "Ma Mère l'Oye," the album presents "Le Tombeau de Couperin," a suite of four movements originally composed for piano and later orchestrated by Ravel. Each piece is a homage to the French Baroque composer François Couperin, with titles like "Prélude," "Forlane," "Menuet," and "Rigaudon" evoking the spirit of the past while firmly rooted in Ravel's distinctive style.

The album concludes with "Shéhérazade, ouverture de féerie," a fantastical overture that transports the listener to the world of One Thousand and One Nights. This orchestral piece is a testament to Ravel's ability to blend exotic influences with classical forms, creating a sound that is both familiar and enthralling.

Throughout the album, Ravel's compositions are brought to life with a blend of technical virtuosity and emotional depth, making this a compelling addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.