reviewed by Christopher Coleman
for RTHK Radio 4

Track 12: Beginning to 3:30 (fade out)

This Virgin Classics CD brings us several of French composer Maurice Ravel’s finest chamber works. We’ve just heard the delightful beginning of one of his earliest pieces, a single movement Sonata for Violin and Piano composed while he was a student of Gabriel Faure. the other works that appear are fully mature pieces: the Piano Trio, another Sonata for Violin and Piano and the astounding Sonata for Violin and Cello. This latter composition is amazing--Ravel is able to capture the sound of an entire string quartet with only two instruments. Here is the second movement--if you know Ravel’s String Quartet you will undoubtedly be struck by the similarities.

Track 9: complete (total time 3:18)

The performers on this CD are violinist Renaud Capucon, cellist Gautier Capucon (surely his brother), and pianist Franck Braley. I am sorry to report that no information at all is provided on them. The cover features slick photographs which make them look like members of some boy-band who inadvertently wandered on stage during a Classical performance. But they play fabulously, with impeccable intonation, gorgeous tone quality, and exactly the variety and depth of sound required to make this music sound its best. Listen, for example, to the exquisite balance between fluttering strings and delicate piano melody in the last movement of the Piano Trio.

Track 4: beginning--1:40 (fade out)

Those familiar with Ravel’s music will find all the hallmarks of his style in these pieces: the hint of Andalusia, his interest in jazz, his extended but essentially tonal harmonic language, an uncanny knowledge of the instruments, especially the piano, and a pentatonic flavoring to many of his melodies. Here, in his Sonata for Violin and Piano, his appreciation for the popular music of his time is demonstrated in the second movement which he titled “Blues”.

Track 6: complete (4:55)

Well, it’s not really blues, but blues through the eyes of a Classical composer. Ravel was a crossover artist decades before the term was coined. And even if no one could accuse Ravel of discovering his African roots after listening to this piece, it is delightful nonetheless. The whole approach, including glissandi, jazzy pizzicati and hints of bitonality may remind listeners of the mucis of fiddler/composer Mark O’Connor; but of course Ravel covered the ground first.

I’m left with the unusual but enviable conclusion that there’s really nothing to criticise about this recording. Performances are remarkable, the repertoire superb. I can’t imagine a Classical music love who would not thoroughly enjoy this disc, and I give it my highest recommendation--a true delight. Let’s close now with the second movement, Pantoum, from the Piano trio.

Track 2: As much as possible.

Recorded for broadcast on RTHK Radio 4, Friday, February 8, 2002.