Search - Ravel, RAI Symphony Orchestra :: Ravel: Ma Mere l'Oye / Bolero / Le tombeau de Couperin / Alborada del Gracioso

Sergiu Celibidache was noted for his insistance on extra rehearsals, for his slow tempos, and for the mystique with which his fans surrounded him. He didn't conduct everything effectively, but he seems to have had an unusual affinity. Even the Boléro is something special, taken at a tempo slow enough (as on Ravel's own recording) for changes in texture and orchestration register as real events. Mother Goose is completely charming and convincing. In all of these works the conductor catches just the right tone for Ravel, and gets playing from the various Italian radio orchestras that is far above their norm. Not the most impressive hi-fi Ravel, but fascinating performances. --Leslie Gerber