Dive into the world of classical piano with Ralph van Raat's captivating album, featuring two iconic works: Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" and Debussy's "La mer." This 58-minute journey, released on Naxos in 2018, is a testament to van Raat's virtuosity and his ability to breathe new life into these avant-garde masterpieces.
The album opens with Debussy's "La mer," a three-movement suite that paints a vivid sonic portrait of the sea. Van Raat's delicate touch and nuanced phrasing bring out the subtle complexities of Debussy's impressionistic score, making it a standout performance.
The second half of the album is dedicated to Stravinsky's groundbreaking "The Rite of Spring." This monumental work is presented in its entirety, with van Raat tackling the challenging piano arrangement by Vladimir Leyetchkiss with remarkable skill and precision. From the primal energy of "The Augurs of Spring" to the haunting beauty of "Mystic Circles of the Young Girls," van Raat's performance is nothing short of electrifying.
Throughout the album, van Raat's deep understanding of these works shines through, making it a compelling listen for both classical music enthusiasts and newcomers alike. His playing is marked by a rare combination of technical brilliance and expressive depth, making this album a true showcase of his artistry.
(C) 2018 Naxos(P) 2018 Naxos
Tracks
La mer, L. 109 (Arr. L. Garban for Piano): No. 1, De l’aube à midi sur la merClaude Debussy, Ralph van Raat
La mer, L. 109 (Arr. L. Garban for Piano): No. 2, Jeux de vaguesClaude Debussy, Ralph van Raat
La mer, L. 109 (Arr. L. Garban for Piano): No. 3, Dialogue du vent et de la merClaude Debussy, Ralph van Raat
The Rite of Spring, Pt. 1 "Adoration of the Earth" (Arr. V. Leyetchkiss for Piano): No. 1, IntroductionIgor Stravinsky, Ralph van Raat
The Rite of Spring, Pt. 1 "Adoration of the Earth" (Arr. V. Leyetchkiss for Piano): No. 2, The Augurs of SpringIgor Stravinsky, Ralph van Raat
The Rite of Spring, Pt. 1 "Adoration of the Earth" (Arr. V. Leyetchkiss for Piano): No. 3, Ritual of AbductionRalph van Raat
The Rite of Spring, Pt. 1 "Adoration of the Earth" (Arr. V. Leyetchkiss for Piano): No. 4, Spring RoundsIgor Stravinsky, Ralph van Raat
The Rite of Spring, Pt. 1 "Adoration of the Earth" (Arr. V. Leyetchkiss for Piano): No. 5, Ritual of the Rival TribesIgor Stravinsky, Ralph van Raat
The Rite of Spring, Pt. 1 "Adoration of the Earth" (Arr. V. Leyetchkiss for Piano): No. 6, Procession of the SageIgor Stravinsky, Ralph van Raat
The Rite of Spring, Pt. 1 "Adoration of the Earth" (Arr. V. Leyetchkiss for Piano): No. 7, Dance of the EarthIgor Stravinsky, Ralph van Raat
The Rite of Spring, Pt. 2 "The Sacrifice" (Arr. V. Leyetchkiss for Piano): No. 1, IntroductionIgor Stravinsky, Ralph van Raat
The Rite of Spring, Pt. 2 "The Sacrifice" (Arr. V. Leyetchkiss for Piano): No. 2, Mystic Circles of the Young GirlsIgor Stravinsky, Ralph van Raat
The Rite of Spring, Pt. 2 "The Sacrifice" (Arr. V. Leyetchkiss for Piano): No. 3, Glorification of the Chosen OneIgor Stravinsky, Ralph van Raat
The Rite of Spring, Pt. 2 "The Sacrifice" (Arr. V. Leyetchkiss for Piano): No. 4, Evocation of the AncestorsIgor Stravinsky, Ralph van Raat
The Rite of Spring, Pt. 2 "The Sacrifice" (Arr. V. Leyetchkiss for Piano): No. 5, Ritual Action of the AncestorsIgor Stravinsky, Ralph van Raat
The Rite of Spring, Pt. 2 "The Sacrifice" (Arr. V. Leyetchkiss for Piano): No. 6, Sacrificial DanceIgor Stravinsky, Ralph van Raat
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