Maurice Ravel: L'Oeuvre Pour Piano Seul

Maurice Ravel (Composer), Jean-Yves Thibaudet (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Jean-Yves Thibaudet
• Composer: Maurice Ravel
• Audio CD (September 15, 1992)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B0000041ZK
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #192,216 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars clear, personal, and strong interpretations of Ravel, March 8, 2004

By 

Craig Matteson (Saline, MI) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Maurice Ravel: L'Oeuvre Pour Piano Seul (Audio CD)

I have to admit that I found some aspects of Mr. Thibaudet's interpretations of these pieces disorienting. However, as I got out the scores, worked on some of them myself, and listened to these recordings repeatedly, I can now say that I understand more about what the performer is after. Not that I always agree with him. Another person on this site discussed the staccato in the accompaniment of the Pavane. Yes, the orchestral recordings have a lush almost wet sound and many pianists go for that same sound. But once you look at the score, you see those staccato notes are there. Personally, I would soften that effect; I think this performance does sound a bit too dry. But I understand his choice and enjoy having had my horizons broadened.

Mr. Thibaudet has a very capable facility, lots of technique, and a clear idea of each piece and he delivers it without faltering or compromise. I admire that a lot in a performer. His choices ask us for a reaction and we are free to accept or reject what he has offered us. When I first heard these recordings I was quite stand offish, but over time I have come to enjoy them much more and am grateful to Mr. Thibaudet for his strength of conviction as well as his superior musicianship.

I encourage you to get these recordings because they are a strong interpretation of Ravel. You may love everything about it, or you may reject aspects of his interpretations. But in any case you will be enriched by hearing these pieces in a clear and beautifully personal way. That is an important aspect of why we make music and a reason why these recordings are so valuable.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hands Down the Finest Recording of the Ravel Piano Works, February 23, 2006

By 

Grady Harp (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Maurice Ravel: L'Oeuvre Pour Piano Seul (Audio CD)

Jean-Yves Thibaudet is the reigning master of the French repertoire for the piano. Not that his talent stops there: a survey of his recordings and performances demonstrate that this is one contemporary master who is equally at home in Chopin, Schubert, Schumann, contemporary works, etc, and he is a fine collaborator with other superb artists. His approach to the keyboard is at once romantic and informed and his technique is dazzling.

The two CD recording does the impossible in demonstrating the Thibaudet can toss of the most lightly fragrant works as well as the formidable challenges of 'Gaspard de la nuit' and the brutally difficult fugue from the elegant 'Le tombeau de Couperin'. Scattered throughout this recital are some rarities such as the 'Sérénade grotesque', the 'Minuet antique', 'Menuet sur le nom d'Haydn', and 'À la manière de. . .' as well as the much loved 'Pavane pour une infante défunte', 'Miroirs' and the 'Valses nobles et sentimentales', each of which Thibaudet transcends the art of impressionist music and takes it to another realm of communication.

But for this listener it is the complete 'Le tombeau de Couperin' that calls for constant replay, so varied are the spirits of the various movements and so surely correct is Thibaudet's touch. And for sheer brilliance this recorded version of 'Gaspard de la nuit' is a pinnacle achievement.

The recording technique used to capture this recital is superb and the presence of the piano is live but never strident. In short, this is a magnificent recording by a consummate artist. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, February 06

14 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GORGEOUS PLAYING, June 20, 1999

By 

MOVIE MAVEN (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maurice Ravel: L'Oeuvre Pour Piano Seul (Audio CD)

Is there a living pianist who plays this music better than Thibaudet? I don't think so. This 2 disc set is a treasure to own. Ravel is one of my two or three favorite composers and I have many albums of the piano pieces inc. Rubenstein, DeLaroccha, Simon, Casadesus, etc. Thibaudet wins hands down. (although DeLaroccha on both her albums of the concerti is pretty amazing!)