This compilation is taken from Seiji Ozawa’s 1974-75 stellar Ravel cycle with the Boston Symphony–one of the finest of the Ozawa/BSO projects for Deutsche Grammophon. Ravishing is the only way to describe the BSO’s playing of these sensuous, exotic scores. This so-called “French” orchestra infuses Ravel’s meticulously chosen colors with a full-bodied intensity and breathtaking virtuosity you probably wouldn’t have heard from any orchestra in France at that time. Ozawa reveals himself to be a natural Ravelian, magically evoking the hallucinogenic atmosphere of Prélude à la nuit from Rhapsodie Espangol, the dance-drunk delirium of La Valse, and the seductive dances of Alborada del gracioso.
Boléro is nothing short of majestic, with the Boston brass virtually singing at its grand close. And let’s not forget that string section, which, along with the woodwinds, casts a dreamy spell during the more introspective moments of Valse nobles et sentimentales and the Pavane. In sum, this is a collection that no Ravel fan can sensibly be without. DG’s remastered sound is noticeably more open than on the 3-CD complete set issued in the 1990s (now, of course, deleted). Here’s hoping that the remainder of this fabulous collection will be forthcoming. [5/30/2001]
