| Site review by Polly Nomial November 28, 2006
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Performance: Sonics (MC): |
This is not one of Ashkenazy's most successful turns on the podium. A fine pianist he may be (and I have seen a wonderful Gaspard from his hands in concert), a great conductor he is not on this evidence.
Despite requiring two discs, there is little else that is generous in this compilation. Firstly, the NHK sound out of water and play Ravel quite without character. It is not a problem of their technique but rather the staid and unimaginative direction from the podium that results in dull readings of every piece (including La Valse!)
The recording is not convincing either. I never thought I would be able to write this but Ravel: Bolero - Boulez from DG in the early 1990's outshines this DSD master. Whether this is the use of the Jesus Christus Kirche or the BPO in glorious form (or both) I don't know but the PCM source is more pleasant! It hardly needs saying that Boulez responds with joy at having such a wonderful instrument in his (capable) hands and the results are audible.
Not recommended unless you want to hear a travesty of Ravel's subtle intentions transformed into mechanical conducting and playing.
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Copyright © 2006 John Broggio and SA-CD.net
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