Orchestral Masterpieces: Gershwin, Ravel & Debussy – The Royal Philharmonic Collection CD

Product Details

• Format: Audio CD, Album
• Label: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / The Royal Philharmonic Collection
• Catalog Number: 204405-201
• UPC: 4011222044051
• Orchestra: The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO)
• Conductor: Barry Wordsworth
• Piano: Christopher O'Riley
• Country: Europe

Overview

This exceptional recording from The Royal Philharmonic Collection brings together five of the most iconic works of the 20th century. Spanning the vibrant jazz-age energy of America and the lush, atmospheric textures of French Impressionism, this CD offers a definitive listening experience. From the bustling streets of Paris in Gershwin’s tone poem to the hypnotic, rhythmic crescendo of Ravel’s Bolero, this collection showcases the versatility and virtuosity of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Barry Wordsworth.

Tracklist

1. George Gershwin: An American In Paris (18:52)
2. George Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue (17:33) – Christopher O'Riley, Piano
3. Maurice Ravel: Bolero (13:24)
4. Maurice Ravel: Pavane Pour Une Infante Défunte (6:05)
5. Claude Debussy: Prélude à l’Après-midi d’un Faune (9:23)

Masterpiece Highlights

George Gershwin: An American In Paris & Rhapsody In Blue

Gershwin’s An American in Paris is a "symphonic tone poem" that famously incorporates real Parisian taxi horns to evoke the energy of the 1920s French capital. Paired with Rhapsody in Blue, featuring the acclaimed Christopher O'Riley on piano, these tracks represent the perfect marriage of classical structure and jazz idiom.

Maurice Ravel: Bolero

Perhaps the most famous crescendo in music history, Bolero is a masterclass in orchestration. Built upon a persistent snare drum ostinato, the work slowly builds in volume and instrumental density until its explosive conclusion. It remains a cornerstone of the French orchestral repertoire.

Claude Debussy: Prélude à l’Après-midi d’un Faune

This work is often cited as the beginning of modern music. Debussy’s use of the flute to create a hazy, dreamlike atmosphere broke traditional harmonic rules, perfectly capturing the essence of Mallarmé's poetry.

About the Performers

• Barry Wordsworth: A renowned English conductor, Wordsworth is celebrated for his interpretations of the core orchestral repertoire and his long-standing association with the Royal Ballet and the BBC Concert Orchestra.
• The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: One of the world’s most prestigious ensembles, the RPO is known for its clarity, precision, and rich tonal palette.
• Christopher O'Riley: A versatile pianist known for both his classical mastery and his creative arrangements of contemporary music.

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