Ravel: Bolero; Rapsodie Espagnole; Pavan for a Dead Princess; La Valse; "Mother Goose" Suite

Bolero, of course, is not only Ravel's most popular composition, but also one of the favorites of the entire classical repertoire. Many have enjoyed its exotic strains, though some attest it has been overexposed and have "gotten tired of it". Nevertheless, each presents a fine performance, but I believe Martinon's is the most impressive in both sonics and interpretation. Those characterful French woodwinds certainly do sing. Moreover, the sound is cleaner than that given to the others, and the perspective on the orchestra is close to ideal. Monteux's version, however, is solid. It is straightforward and musical. Munch's strength comes in the last portions of the piece....The Rhapsodie Espagnole is one of my favorites. Here, once again, Martinon scores with a reading that captures best the sense of color, life, atmosphere, sensuousness and flair the work is full of. Munch's Symphony Hall sound in Boston gives the music's body warmth and richness, and he too offers a fine reading. Monteux seems only slightly less interesting than the others....La Valse is also one of my favorites. Here, all three present enjoyable accounts. Monteux brings a nice rhythmic lilt and a hint of playful, romantic charm. Munch emphasizes drive and elan, though he borders on being boisterous at times. Martinon sings with lyicism and luxurious sensuality....Pavane For a Dead Princess is another wonderful work. Munch takes top honors here by imparting an air of nobility and an almost timeless quality. There is also some very beautiful harp playing....Finally, in Ma Mere l'Oye (Mother Goose) again, all three give very fine performances. Munch has superb dynamics and is colorful and tuneful. Monteux is tender, loving and beautiful. Martinon lays things out very clearly and nicely. There is an easy yet animated flow to his presentation, and it displays plenty of the atmosphere of child-like spirit and fantasy. Yes, overall, I tend to favor Martinon, but there's a lot to appreciate in Munch and Monteux. I really don't think you will go wrong with any of these choices. There's a whole lot of marvelous music to enjoy here.

The compilation itself is a must. Munch was considered to have been the foremost Ravel interpreter of his time (today, it's Charles Dutoit). The Bolero is quite brilliant, and Munch touches-up the score at the end enough for the effect he wanted, but discretely enough as not to distort Ravel's score. It's one of the most exciting Boleros I've heard.

The Pavane is not a piece I'm particularly fond of by itself, but I believe Munch conducts it superbly and the horn solo is quite full of longing.

The Rapsodie Espagnole is another winner in this compilation. The finale of the last movement is exquisite, Munch bringing out a very Stravinsky-esque quality from it (Stravinsky and Ravel both studied with Rimsky-Korsakov, the first master orchestrator).

The Mother Goose Suite is a piece I first encountered in my high school orchestra. I really didn't appreciate the work until this performance with Munch and the BSO. One can really see pictures in the mind's eye through his interpretation. The third movement is my personal favorite. He gives it just the right taste. Another recording to check out is the one Michael Tilson-Thomas made with the Philharmonia (I believe).

The La Valse is amazing and breathtaking througout. The opening has just the right ammount of tension to foreshadow the climactic ending, but just enough to give way to the playful melody that follows. One can really hear Strauss' sound in the waltz, with a Ravel twist. The finale is fantastic and may terrify the weak of heart. The BSO is right on the heel of Munch and he's got them by the reins, giving just the right ammount of tension. Munch's control and restraint that gave this piece that tension would have made Toscanini proud!

A must recording, it's not just one to get, but THE one to get.