Ravel: L'enfant et les sortilèges, M. 71 & Ma mère l'oye, M. 62

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Maurice Ravel with this captivating album, featuring two of his most beloved works: "L'enfant et les sortilèges" and "Ma mère l'oye." Released on October 2, 2015, by Naxos, this classical masterpiece spans a little over an hour and eleven minutes, offering a rich and diverse listening experience.

"L'enfant et les sortilèges," a whimsical opera, brings to life the imaginative world of a mischievous child, where inanimate objects and creatures come to life. This performance, conducted by Leonard Slatkin with the Orchestre National De Lyon, is brought to life by a stellar cast including Helene Hebrard, Jean-Paul Fouchécourt, Delphine Galou, and Marc Barrard. The opera is divided into two parts, each filled with charming and evocative melodies that capture the essence of childhood wonder and fantasy.

Complementing the opera is "Ma mère l'oye," a suite of piano pieces inspired by fairy tales. This ballet suite, also known as "Mother Goose," includes familiar tales such as "Pavane de la belle au bois dormant" (Sleeping Beauty) and "Laideronnette, impératrice des pagodes." The suite is a delightful journey through Ravel's imaginative retellings of classic stories, showcasing his unique compositional style and mastery of the piano.

This album is a testament to Ravel's genius, offering a blend of opera and ballet music that is both enchanting and timeless. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection of Ravel's works is sure to captivate and inspire.