Description
Ravel, Debussy – Boléro · La Mer · La Valse · Prélude à l’Après-Midi d’un Faune / Deutsche Grammophon Audio CD
UPC: 028942721326
Label: Deutsche Grammophon – 427 213-2
Series: Deutsche Grammophon Resonance
Format: Audio CD, Compilation, Stereo
Country: Europe
Genre: Classical
Style: Modern / Impressionism
Overview
This Deutsche Grammophon Resonance release brings together four iconic works of French Impressionism by Maurice Ravel and Claude Debussy, interpreted by some of the most acclaimed conductors of the 20th century—Seiji Ozawa, Carlo Maria Giulini, and Michael Tilson Thomas. Performed by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, this album unites the atmospheric sensuality of Debussy with the rhythmic elegance of Ravel, delivering a listening experience that embodies both refinement and orchestral brilliance.
The CD captures the shimmering soundscapes and tonal subtleties that defined a new era of modern orchestral color, from Ravel’s hypnotic Boléro to Debussy’s oceanic masterpiece La Mer.
Highlights
- Includes Ravel’s Boléro and La Valse, both conducted by Seiji Ozawa with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
- Features Debussy’s La Mer under Carlo Maria Giulini and the Los Angeles Philharmonic—a benchmark performance in recorded history.
- Michael Tilson Thomas leads the Boston Symphony in Debussy’s timeless Prélude à l’Après-Midi d’un Faune, featuring Doriot Anthony Dwyer on flute.
- A Deutsche Grammophon Resonance edition—renowned for its remastered sound and artistic presentation.
- Beautiful cover art and design by Peter Schuppe and K. Peter Philips.
Track Listing
Maurice Ravel (1875–1937)
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Boléro (Tempo di Bolero Moderato Assai) – 14:59 Conductor: Seiji Ozawa Orchestra: Boston Symphony Orchestra
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La Valse, Poème Chorégraphique – 11:57 (Mouvement de Valse Viennoise – Un Peu Plus Modéré – 1er Mouvement – Assez Animé) Conductor: Seiji Ozawa Orchestra: Boston Symphony Orchestra
Claude Debussy (1862–1918)
La Mer – Trois Esquisses Symphoniques
- I. De l’Aube à Midi sur la Mer (Très Lent) – 9:23
- II. Jeux de Vague (Allegro) – 7:15
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III. Dialogue du Vent et de la Mer (Animé et Tumultueux) – 8:35 Conductor: Carlo Maria Giulini Orchestra: Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra
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Prélude à l’Après-Midi d’un Faune (Très Modéré) – 9:33 Conductor: Michael Tilson Thomas Orchestra: Boston Symphony Orchestra Flute Solo: Doriot Anthony Dwyer
Production Credits
- Label: Deutsche Grammophon
- Series: Resonance
- Art Direction: Peter Schuppe
- Cover Illustration: K. Peter Philips
- Typography Design: Werner Koberstein (Hamburg)
Listening Notes
This compilation celebrates the sensual and symbolic aesthetics of the French orchestral tradition.
- Ravel’s Boléro mesmerizes with its hypnotic rhythm and orchestral crescendo, a masterclass in orchestration and dynamic tension.
- La Valse transforms the Viennese waltz into a haunting commentary on post-war Europe.
- Debussy’s La Mer remains one of the most evocative portrayals of the sea ever written—fluid, unpredictable, and radiant with color.
- Prélude à l’Après-Midi d’un Faune opens a new world of sound—its dreamy harmonies and flute lines marking the dawn of modern music.
The performances by Ozawa, Giulini, and Tilson Thomas offer an extraordinary blend of precision, sensitivity, and orchestral beauty—making this disc a timeless addition to any classical collection.
We Value Your Feedback
Share your impressions of these masterworks—how do Ravel and Debussy’s colors speak to you? Join the conversation and rediscover the magic of musical Impressionism.
Hashtags
#Ravel #Debussy #Bolero #LaMer #LaValse #PreludeALApresMidiDunFaune #SeijiOzawa #CarloMariaGiulini #MichaelTilsonThomas #BostonSymphonyOrchestra #LosAngelesPhilharmonic #DeutscheGrammophon #ResonanceSeries #FrenchImpressionism #ClassicalCD #ModernOrchestralMusic
