Music by 20th-century composers.
The unknown Ravel – 4. Historical recordings
This is the fourth instalment in a series on the music of Maurice Ravel, particularly his lesser-known compositions. Today the emphasis is on a number of historical recordings. You will hear piano rolls that were performed by Ravel himself, as well as recordings that met with his approval.
Playlist:
Maurice Ravel
- Sonatine, M.40 (part 1 and 2). Maurice Ravel (Welte Mignon piano rolls from 1913)
- Pavane pour une infante défunte, M.19. Maurice Ravel, piano (Duo-Art piano roll from 1922)
- Toccata from Le tombeau de Couperin, M.68. Robert Casadesus, piano (Duo-Art piano roll from 1922)
- Le Gibet from Gaspard de la nuit, M.55. Robert Casadesus, piano (Duo-Art piano roll from 1922)
- ‘Oh, la pitoyable aventure!’ from L’Heure espagnole. Fanny Heldy, soprano (Concepción); Pierre Favereau, tenor (Gonzalve); Louis Morturier, baritone (Ramiro); Orchestre symphonique du Gramophone led by Piero Coppola (recording from 1930)
- Piano concerto in D, M.82 (‘For the Left Hand’). Jacques Février, piano; Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire led by Charles Munch (recording from 1942)
- Maurice Ravel: Ronsard à son âme, M.75. Martial Singher, baritone; Orchestra led by Piero Coppola (recording from 1934)