Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Maurice Ravel with this comprehensive collection of his piano and chamber music, set to release on October 24, 2025, under the esteemed label harmonia mundi. Spanning a generous 2 hours and 33 minutes, this album is a testament to Ravel's mastery of classical and neoclassical genres, offering a rich tapestry of compositions that showcase his unique musical language.
The album opens with the captivating "Vocalise-étude en forme de habanera," arranged for cello and piano, followed by the playful "Jeux d'eau." Ravel's "Sonatine" and "Miroirs" provide a journey through varying moods and rhythms, from the delicate "Noctuelles" to the lively "Alborada del gracioso." The hauntingly beautiful "Gaspard de la nuit" is a highlight, featuring the ethereal "Ondine" and the mischievous "Scarbo."
Chamber music enthusiasts will delight in the "Sonate pour violon et violoncelle," a work that exemplifies Ravel's ability to blend intimacy and grandeur. The "Valses nobles et sentimentales" offer a suite of waltzes that are both noble and deeply expressive, while the "Sonate pour violon et piano No. 2" introduces a modernist twist with its "Blues" movement.
The album concludes with "Le Tombeau de Couperin," a suite that pays homage to the French Baroque composer François Couperin. Each movement, from the "Prélude" to the "Toccata," is a masterclass in Ravel's ability to evoke the past while speaking in his own distinctive voice.
This collection is not just a compilation of Ravel's works but a celebration of his enduring influence on classical music. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Ravel or a newcomer to his music, this album promises a rewarding and enriching listening experience.
2025 harmonia mundi2025 harmonia mundi
Tracks
Vocalise-étude en forme de habanera, M. 51 (Arr. for Cello and Piano by P. Bazelaire)Maurice Ravel, Julien Libeer, Bruno Philippe
Jeux d'eau, M. 30Maurice Ravel, Julien Libeer
Sonatine, M. 40: I. Modéré, doux et expressifMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer
Sonatine, M. 40: II. Mouvement de MenuetMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer
Sonatine, M. 40: III. AniméMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer
Miroirs, M. 43: I. Noctuelles. Très légerMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer
Miroirs, M. 43: II. Oiseaux tristes. Très lentMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer
Miroirs, M. 43: III. Une barque sur l'océan. D'un rythme soupleMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer
Miroirs, M. 43: IV. Alborada del gracioso. Assez vifMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer
Miroirs, M. 43: V. La vallée des cloches. Très lentMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer
Gaspard de la nuit, M. 55: I. Ondine. LentMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer
Gaspard de la nuit, M. 55: II. Le gibet. Très lentMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer
Gaspard de la nuit, M. 55: III. Scarbo. ModéréMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer
Sonate pour violon et violoncelle, M. 73: I. AllegroMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer, Lorenzo Gatto, Bruno Philippe
Sonate pour violon et violoncelle, M. 73: II. Très vifMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer, Lorenzo Gatto, Bruno Philippe
Sonate pour violon et violoncelle, M. 73: III. LentMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer, Lorenzo Gatto, Bruno Philippe
Sonate pour violon et violoncelle, M. 73: IV. Vif, avec entrainMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer, Lorenzo Gatto, Bruno Philippe
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61: I. Modéré, très francMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61: II. Assez lent, avec une expression intenseMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61: III. ModéréMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61: IV. Assez animéMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61: V. Presque lent, dans un sentiment intimeMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61: VI. VifMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61: VII. Moins vifMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61: VIII. Epilogue. LentMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer
Sonate pour violon et piano No. 2, M. 77: I. AllegrettoMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer, Lorenzo Gatto
Sonate pour violon et piano No. 2, M. 77: II. Blues. ModeratoMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer, Lorenzo Gatto
Sonate pour violon et piano No. 2, M. 77: III. Perpetuum mobile. AllegroMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer, Lorenzo Gatto
Le Tombeau de Couperin, M. 68: I. Prélude. VifMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer
Le Tombeau de Couperin, M. 68: II. Fugue. Allegro moderatoMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer
Le Tombeau de Couperin, M. 68: III. Forlane. AllegrettoMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer
Le Tombeau de Couperin, M. 68: IV. Rigaudon. Assez vifMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer
Le Tombeau de Couperin, M. 68: V. Menuet. Allegro moderatoMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer
Le Tombeau de Couperin, M. 68: VI. Toccata. VifMaurice Ravel, Julien Libeer