> Ravel: Orchestral works. Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Newton 2 CDs.
Although this CD was recorded by Philips in the 1970s it still has its rich and detailed sound. Conductor Bernard Haitink takes the great Dutch orchestra through many of Ravel's greatest masterpieces for orchestra. Included are
Pavane for a Dead Infant,
Le Tombeau de Couperin, the complete
Ma Mere l'Oye, the sumptuous full-length ballet
he wrote for the Ballet Russes, and
Bolero.
Menuet Antique is a little gem.
Valses Nobles et Sentimentales is a set of seven sparing and dissonant waltzes that are an amazing delight. Inspired by Ravel's Spanish background are Alborada del Gracioso and Rapsodie Espagnole. Wonderful performances show the composer's mastery of orchestration - many of the works began as piano pieces.
Highlight: La valse is a dark and menacing portrait of the dance.
> Ferrara: Fantasia Tragica, Notte di Tempesta, etc. Orchestra Sinfonica di Roma. Naxos CD.
France Ferrara (1911-1985), conductor, pianist, violinist and composer, will be introduced to most listeners by the four works on this disc of seven, all commendable world premiere recordings. After an unadventurous
Preludio,
Fantasia Tragica, a "symphonic homage" to Shostakovich is modelled on the third ("Eternal Memory") movement ofhis
Symphony No 11. The others contain lush melodies with an Italian dramatic, almost operatic feel.
Notte di Tempesta allows the only private orchestra in Rome (conducted by Francesco La Vecchia) to revel in the romp portraying a stormy night, but the youthful
Burlesca (1932) works best, with whimsical and playful themes. Much of this tonal 20th-century music sounds like background "film music" - not surprising since the composer had associations with cinema.
Highlight: Accessible music well played.
