Search - Ravel, Paul Crossley :: Complete Piano Works 1

Finest complete survey ( Vol 1 & 2 ) of Ravel's piano works

Ian K. Hughes | San Mateo, CA | 08/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I own 4 or 5 different complete recordings of Ravel's piano music. In terms of interpretation and ( this is crucial ) the SOUND of the recording, this set ( volumes 1 and 2 are sold separately ) is my favorite. Of course, all complete Ravel sets have their strong and weak points, and Paul Crossley's is no exception. For example, Crossley's "Gaspard de la Nuit" ( Volume 2 of the 2 volume CRD release- this review is of Vol 1 ) features a "Scarbo" ( 3rd movt ) that is slow bordering on mannered. In fairness, Crossley used the deliberate pace to contrast with the absurdly fast tempi that most pianists use, which has the tendency to reduce the piece to (merely) an overly virtuosic display piece. I have no such reservations about the other "large" works ( "MIROIRS", "LE TOMBEAU DE COUPERIN" ) that Crossley plays with great delicacy, nuance and feeling. Sound, both in terms of the players touch AND the engineering of the recording are absolutely key to properly appreciating the works of certain composers like Schubert, Chopin, Debussy and Ravel. Unlike the overly harsh, "clangy" sound heard on the DECCA recording ( Jean-Yves Thibaudet ) or the overly reverberant CHANDOS ( Louis Lortie ) sets, the Crossley/CRD has achieved the perfect balance for the exquisite, fine diamond-cut precision of Maurice Ravel's compositions. Very highly recommended to long time Ravelians or newcomers to this music ( if you like Vol 1, be sure to get Vol 2 )."