Ravel’s music is, as we know, all “surface”, and few conductors and orchestras polish that surface to a finer sheen than Haitink and the Concertgebouw. The orchestra’s supremely accomplished winds make a thing of joy out of Le Tombeau de Couperin, while Boléro has terrific style (great trombone and saxophones) as well as the necessary inexorable intensity. Really, there’s not a second of music-making here that isn’t of the highest quality: the Rhapsodie espagnole has real panache and the necessary sultry, sexy languor; Alborada del Gracioso sparkles with rhythmic verve; and the Pavane retains its dignity without ever turning sticky. Gorgeous sonics capture the proceedings with exemplary faithfulness, warmth, and clarity. Containing more than 74 minutes of music, this disc is a steal. [10/4/2003]
