Search - Ravel, Chailly, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra :: Daphnis & Chole

A review

Kevin | Davis, CA United States | 03/28/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One really cannot put into words how good this performance is. The word perfect is almost an insult. Chailly is able to bring such a fine and detailed amount of subtlety to this work. Where most conductors prefer to perform this work in an overtly romantic manner, Chailly relies more on the direction of the melody and Ravel's texture writing to bring expression to the music. His knowledge that intensity and emotion come not from the external things such as rubato or vibrato, etc., but from such things as strict tempo, perfect ensemble playing, and patience. From the opening notes to the closing rucous, the performance has such an unnameable degree of calm yet incredibly exciting energy to it. One cannot rate this higher than to say it just might be the best recording of anything, ever.Also, due praise is rewarded to Jacques Zoon, the flutist. His wonderful sound, technique, and musicianship are recorded here as well."