Maurice Ravel

Clear, precise music featuring rhythmic refinement as free as it is polished, with vibrations that are, in the final analysis, more morbid than conquering, a series of enchantments idealising the violin as the charming bard of the inexpressible. A new form of Expressionism and a timeless challenge for performers.

Eugenio Catone has received awards in many national and international competitions, including first prize and Bluthner Trophy for the youngest finalst in the Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition 2012; ‘Biella’ Prize at the Pozzoli International Piano Competition in Seregno; ‘Albano’ prize at the Arcangelo Speranza International Piano Competition 2012 in Taranto and first prize at the ‘Chopin Golden Ring’ Competition in Ptuj (Slovenia).

In La mer, he is among the master magicians: subtleties of nuance and timing (previously in short supply) now abound; here is playing of a wholly different order of grace and beauty, not the kind that lingers in passages in danger of becoming too exquisite to bear, nor the kind that parades the score's exoticism.

Ravel - Piano Works - Vlado Perlemuter (1973) {2CD Set Nimbus NI 7713/4 rel 1996}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 329 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 296 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (png) -> 43 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1973, 1996 Wyastone Estate / Nimbus Records | NI 7713/4
Classical / Impressionism / Early 20th Century / Piano

This set has been a favorite with critics since it was issued in 1979. Vlado Perlemuter studied Ravel's music with the composer. His approach is more colorful and dramatic than that of many other pianists. All the rigorous classical form Ravel used comes through, but so does a powerful musical personality. Just try, for example, the Toccata from Le Tombeau de Couperin, where Perlemuter builds up to a thrilling climax. The sound is more resonant than ideal, but this is still the best recording of Ravel's piano works ever made. Perlemuter's own Vox mono versions are poorly recorded; stick with the Nimbus edition.

If anybody is, then Zoltán Kocsis is truly a musical artist in the Renaissance sense: he explores ever greater areas of his profession, and takes possession of new realms. Initially, we looked on with incomprehension, asking why as a pianist of genius, he did not devote himself exclusively to his instrument. Why was he dissipating his creative energies is so many fields: teaching, conducting, writing essays, creating concert programs, forming societies and building an orchestra – and of course, there was his composition as well. But these days, we really have to acknowledge that with Kocsis, this is not some sporting achievement, but utilising the Wagnerian term – a kind of “Gesamtkunstwerk” activity.

Happy Birthday, Monsieur Ravel! Accurate to the 150th Composer birthday on March 7, 2025, Bertrand Chamayou presents an anniversary present of the musical extra class with his solo album Ravel Fragments. On it, the French pianist closes a discographic gap, which he has left conscious in his total recording released in 2016: in the centre are works of Ravel in his own hands as well as chamayous edits, extended to the birthday program by pieces by composers who were inspired by the piano music of their great predecessor.