Ravel's Bolero - A remarkable recording encountered

Posted by: IlanT on 01 October 2010

A visitor to a recent Hi-Fi show I attended, pulled out this CD and requested I play it. I gladly accepted and as soon as the first notes were played, I realised that the tempo, which was considerably slower than usual, made the piece sound "right". Later, I asked for the cover and read, that it had been conducted as to conform to Ravel's on score instructions to play at "66 metronome", while the tempo usually adopted is around 72. The time span of known performances is quite wide at 12' to 18'.
The impressive performance on this zzt060901 CD lasted some 16'.
Posted on: 01 October 2010 by George Fredrik
Ravel's own recording is indeed significantly slower than the generally adopted tempo.

Ravel's steady tempo allows for an even more magesterial "orcestral crescendo" over the entire span than usual!

Sometimes the composer's own performance has something very valuable to teach the recreative artist.

Best wishes from George
Posted on: 01 October 2010 by Colin Lorenson
Welcome back George
Posted on: 02 October 2010 by Analogue Rules OK
quote:
Originally posted by Colin Lorenson:
Welcome back George


+1
Posted on: 02 October 2010 by Hot Rats
This CD is recorded by Anima Eterna with Jos van Immerseel conducting. It looks interesting.

His cycle of Beethoven symphonies is supposed to be very special:

http://avaxhome.ws/music/class...onies_Immerseel.html

Has anyone heard it?
Posted on: 02 October 2010 by mongo
quote:
Originally posted by Analogue Rules OK:
quote:
Originally posted by Colin Lorenson:
Welcome back George


+1


Plus two.

Good to see you George..errmm as it were...
Posted on: 02 October 2010 by MilesSmiles
If you would ask Bo she would tell you that some people prefer it slower and others faster. Razz

On a more serious note, I will have to give the slower interpretation a listen.
Posted on: 02 October 2010 by BigH47
Having a limited amount of Classical music, I've given zzt060901 CD a go.
Posted on: 04 October 2010 by mudwolf
With really good music I like slow movements and tempos. I find it so much easier to get swept up and be relaxed. When I first started seriously listening to classical around '90 I thought if a slow movement held my interest it was a good recording or piece.
Posted on: 26 October 2010 by MikeHall
quote:
Originally posted by Doctor Jazz:
This CD is recorded by Anima Eterna with Jos van Immerseel conducting. It looks interesting.

His cycle of Beethoven symphonies is supposed to be very special:

http://avaxhome.ws/music/class...onies_Immerseel.html

Has anyone heard it?


I bought Immerseel's Ravel a year ago and loved it. On the strength of your suggestion above I also bought the Beethoven cycle by Immerseel. It's a very different and totally refreshing change. I listened to Colin Davis conducting the Ninth (B&W recording) the other night and was fairly bored by it (and I love Beethoven). The Immerseel was electrifying, as was the Fifth and Sixth. I haven't listened to the others yet but will soon.

BUY!