Ravel Piano Concerto in G Major: The most beautiful piano concerto ever written?

Could there ever be 'the most beautiful concerto', or even a 'best' concerto? In this video, Harley Lovegrove compares six different performances of this masterful work and encourages us to decide, not only, on which one we like best, but also to consider could this piano concerto ever be considered amongst the very best and most beautiful of all time?
Chapters
00:00 - Title & intro music
00:28 - Introduction to Ravel and G Major Concerto
06:46 - 1st Movement: Allegramente
28:49 - 2nd Movement: Adagio Assai
54:19 - 3rd Movement: Presto
Performances featured:
(Spotify links)
Zimmerman / Boulez: Cleveland Orchestra
open.spotify.com/album/0uMPPy...
Leonard Bernstein: Columbia Symphony Orchestra
open.spotify.com/album/5a9Tb6...
Argerich / Vedernikov: Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana
open.spotify.com/album/0ReZdj...
Katchen / Kertesz: London Symphony Orchestra
open.spotify.com/album/06uSPh...
Michelangeli / Gracis: Philharmonia Orchestra
open.spotify.com/album/021fHM...
Grimaud / Zinman: Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
open.spotify.com/album/5WCbAv...
Link to video footage of performances on KZbin:
Leonard Bernstein:
• L. Bernstein conducts ...
Martha Argerich:
• Martha Argerich: Ravel...
• 2020 | Martha Argerich...
• Martha Argerich: Ravel...
• Ravel : Concerto en so...
HiFi equipment used in this video:
Loudspeakers: Pearl Acoustics SG
Preamplifier: Sugden DAP800
Amplifier: English Acoustics 41c
Cables: Loudspeaker cables: Pearl Acoustics Neutral Balance,
Interconnects: AudioQuest (various)
Listening Room acoustic panels: GIK
If you would like to find out more about Pearl Acoustics, who we are, what we do and our Sibelius loudspeakers, please visit our website at: www.pearlacoustics.com
or email us with your questions: [e-mail]
Social media links:
/ pearlacoustics
/ pearl.acoustics

[@DyChalion]

Mr. Harley Lovegrove, one day I will own a pair of your Sibelius loudspeakers to hear the refinement you do. Until then, I honestly love your interpretation of beautiful pieces like this. Please continue to pick out what you love and we will listen. I studied classical music in college many years ago and the instructor picked Mozart's 40th for one quarter. We listened to it over and over and when you do that, you get a feeling of what the Master wanted us to learn from it. I am now learning from you - thank you!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you very much indeed for your kind words. I do not consider myself an academic, and my knowledge is limited, especially compared with music professors and musicologists. But I do have ears, a heart and experience in the recording of classical music. So it is rewarding to discover that people respect and enjoy the method by which I share what knowledge I have. 🙏 once again.

[@carlfuggiasco7495]

When you said his ability to orchestrate..............I thought - thank you........and that is why I personally love the music of Ravel.

[@PearlAcoustics]

You’re very welcome!

[@greghudon4696]

This vast array of music. Instruments artists and technology has me completely enchanted. The one thing that really makes this tape addictive is ur enthusiasm . A person that finds the beauty,joy and complete wonder in Ravel.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you very much for your kind and insightful comment. I am so glad you appreciated it.

[@manzoh2248]

You should listen to Seong Jin Cho’s most recent live performance of it, I think it’s such a great interpretation.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for the tip. I certainly will

[@stuartneil8682]

What a great introduction to this music, which at age 61, I had not listened to before.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you. I hope you enjoyed it. Here’s wishing you decades more listening pleasure!

[@carlitomelon4610]

At 62 I'm still learning too 😊

[@DoneThat891]

I am enthralled. I love what you are presenting for us. Many thanks for your work and analysis. I could listen to you for hours. And plan to.

[@PearlAcoustics]

My pleasure! Comments like yours are so motivational

[@user-zq7vr3ym9d]

The woodwind entries in the second movement is magic - the clarinet line line makes me think it inspired Aaron Copeland's Clarinet Concerto.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Absolutely!

[@pedge66]

At a time when I was mostly dancing around to rave music in fields and nightclubs my brother gave me a copy of the Zimmerman to broaden my musical horizons, he’s the one with taste in our family

[@PearlAcoustics]

And??? Do you enjoy it today? (The Zimmerman I mean) 😉. Thanks for your comment. I am sure Ravel would have enjoyed dancing around fields and nightclubs too!

[@ChrisHamer-zq1xw]

Hi Harley - although I am in my 50s and have loved classical music all my life the new level of interest and education that you provide - coupled with your clear communication style is wonderful. Please keep this series going - I am loving it !! Not just your favourites but all famous pieces - thank you for your efforts …..

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you very much for your very kind appreciation. They take a lot of work to prepare and make but I’ll do my best!

[@wandiquejr4208]

I have this concerto with Martha, definitively this is THE interpretation. Many thanks for your work here, it's a real pleasure!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you too! She’s great isn’t she?! I have put lots of links to different video performances of her in the description

[@warrenletendre2462]

Another masterclass Thanks So much Harley. Love the insight in the classics!

[@PearlAcoustics]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching and for your support and feedback

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

With your uploads I have no restraints or any doubt to klick on a the "thumb up " button before watching .... The black tube amplifier behind you looks alot alike to an old Leak TL20 ..... Real and good music is eternal ..........it shines trough a musical system.......perfect sounds are territory of modern hi-end ( where I often desperatly search to connect to music in what they sell as accurate and perfection ) Thank you for sharing ...........with people who love music and want to listen to their music /audio system that is ONLY a tool for reproducing it ...........and not an expensive illusion on glossy papers . Kind regards

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you very much indeed. It takes a lot of work to make these talks and your appreciation and the appreciation of others makes it so worthwhile. The big black amplifier behind me is actually a new re-working of the bigger Leak. It’s called a 41c and there has recently been a review of it in HiFi+. It is designed and built by the team we are collaborating with on our new tube amplifier project. Thanks again for your kind words, Harley

[@carlitomelon4610]

Mr. Lovegrove, Your charming enthusiasm got me to turn from my favourite: Beethoven's 5th piano concerto "emperor" to this ravel piece this morning. Argerich is always fabulous. The first movement is nowhere near as 1906 frenetic street noise as I was expecting....context is everything I guess. Listening now for Ravel's smooth orchestration. Thanks for the listening education:-) I will add this work to my expanding "classical" playlist thanks to you! Please keep this service running. I conclude with the audience applause from the Argerich recording (which goes to the next piece, Beethoven piano concerto 20 .... perfect;-) 🎵🎶🤫🎶🎵 PS Kristian Zimmerman humming along is a feature of his playing for bettr or worse. Always reminds me of my mother humming the harmony to her favourite pieces, bless her. Not something you want to hear from a nearby audience member 🙄😅

[@PearlAcoustics]

What a wonderful comment. Thank you for sharing it. And got your kind appreciation, as always.

[@ricardosalinas308]

You were very kind with Bernstein, because that opening of the second movement shows the difference between a competent pianist and a master pianist (like all the rest are). Very, very nice video :)

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you! 😉

[@daniellustgarten5857]

love your music appreciation videos , please ,please keep doing them

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you! Will do!

[@chrissergeant7798]

Thank you. When ever your videos come up on my KZbin subscription feed, it is such a treat. The time spent hearing your commentaries is time well spent. I have listened to all of the albums and pieces you profile, some I have heard many times throughout my life and some that are new discoveries for me. I, too, love this concerto.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you so much for your very welcome appreciation. I am so pleased that you enjoy my videos. See you in the next one!

[@FrouzakisGeorge]

Thank you! That was really great!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Glad you liked it! 🙏

[@osbert43]

Another wonderful video!! Thank you!!!!

[@PearlAcoustics]

You are so welcome! I am so glad you enjoyed it.

[@chrishorner7679]

That was great! Many thanks.

[@PearlAcoustics]

You’re very welcome

[@danijelsan81]

I love this series that highlights great works of classical music. A masterclass! Thank you for the effort.

[@PearlAcoustics]

You are very welcome! 🙏

[@alighieroalighieri404]

Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli and Ettore Gracis with Philharmonia Orchestra is my favorite rendition ! Impeccable

[@PearlAcoustics]

Excellent choice!

[@alighieroalighieri404]

@@PearlAcoustics I enjoy your channel! It would be nice to compare different interpretations of Gaspard de la nuit. Cheers

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@alighieroalighieri404 thanks for your suggestion. I will put it on the list! 😉

[@RogierYou]

Thank you for the amazing lesson👍

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you! 🙏

[@hosta3]

I also appreciate your takes on different classical compositions. Very detailed. Your enthusiasm reminds me of listening in my youth to the radio show, “Adventures in Good Music” by Karl Haas.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you very kind. So glad you appreciate them. I don’t know the program you refer to… but it must have left an impression

[@fifimombo8728]

Very amazing system

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks!

[@ronaldhempel7035]

Hello Harley, I just wanted to express my gratitude for all the hard work you are doing here on your channel. Especially this series where you compare different recordings of the same piece is extremely helpful for me. I can only imagine how much work this must be. I am looking forward to the next episode. Thank you very much.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi Ronald, that’s very kind of you. I won’t pretend it’s nothing but when I see the impact of my talks on others, it makes the effort worthwhile. Thanks for taking the time to comment

[@thomasmarker8198]

THANKS FOR THE INSIGHTFULL TALK - MUCH APPRICIATET.😊

[@PearlAcoustics]

You’re very welcome. Glad you enjoyed it

[@alwynroberts8465]

Thank you for taking the time and the effort to share your passion, if you keep making these videos I am going to keep watch.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you. You’re very kind. I’ll do my best to keep going 😉. I like to switch between genres and other topics. But I like to make one, at least once a month with the default genre being classical. Thanks again.

[@geuros]

It's among my favourites, probably in my top 2 along with Saint-Saëns's 5th.

[@822003]

Bernstein's 1975 performance of the concerto, especially the final movement is absolutely sensational 💯 🔥

[@PearlAcoustics]

Absolutely

[@markfischer3626]

I actually like most of Ravel's music very much. The first thing that comes to mind is the string quartet. This is my favorite string quartet from the French Impressionist period. I'm a great fan of both art and music of this era. Not only do I like Ravel's music but he did a great job orchestrating Mssorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition. I consider this piano concerto uncharacteristic of his style.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your very insightful comment. Indeed, the string quartet is (in my opinion) right up there with Beethoven and Haydn.

[@user-jp5zb2yn3k]

I’ve been enjoying the musical sessions. Your passion and enthusiasm hits a positive note for the music lover who visits your channel. Don’t feel compelled to keep to a schedule with these just to add content to the channel - only when you have time to enjoy the discussion and have something to say. This will keep the quality high, and warrant repeat views. As for the Ravel, my favorite is the live televised concert from 1982 with Michelangeli and Celibidache. One of my ten most perfect recordings. Much better than the 1957. Of the ones you profile I like Katchen, and not just because of his clear articulation, but also the quality and colorful timbres of the principle players in the orchestra, recorded to near perfection (in my opinion.). Argerich (who studied with Michelangeli) has done better elsewhere; here she “chews the scenery” too much with the push and pull of tempo. Just my opinion, but for my listening enjoyment: Michelangeli/Celi and Katchen. Most eager to hear what music you will talk about next (I’m a new subscriber for that very reason!).

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you very much for your very kind comment. I try to alternate my videos with hifi topics and music appreciation. I feel most comfortable talking about classical music but going out of one’s comfort zone, once in a while keeps my mind fresh (well at least I like to think so)! Thanks for the tip and your advice, I’ll try my best to keep the quality high! (We don’t monetise our music videos) so they are just for the fun of sharing. As indeed all our content it.

[@matytinman]

Just now, one of the recordings I have Samson François & André Cluytens, Paris Conservatoire Orchestra - Piano Concerto In G Major / Piano Concerto In D Major For The Left Hand (1960) Vinyl, stereo, Angel Records, US DR Peak RMS Filename ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR10 -1.20 dB -15.59 dB A1 Piano Concerto In G Major - 1. Allegramente DR14 -1.56 dB -20.47 dB A2 Piano Concerto In G Major - 2. Adagio Assai DR11 -1.36 dB -14.98 dB A3 Piano Concerto In G Major - 3. Presto DR11 -0.87 dB -16.77 dB B Piano Concerto In D Major For The Left Hand ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of files: 4 Official DR value: DR12

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you so much for this lead. I will definitely give it a listen!

[@shantihealer]

Love the deeply felt emotions of Helene Grimaud in this while keeping up the fiery, rhythmic pace as you mentioned. There's another version worth seeking out by an Italian pianist, Arturo Michelangeli. He plays in superb alignment with the Philharmonia Orchestra in a performance of bejewelled precision.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, thanks for your comment. Indeed I feature the recording by Michelangeli as one of my six recordings. Maybe you missed it, or perhaps you are referring to another recording with the Philharmonia Orchestra?

[@shantihealer]

@@PearlAcoustics I'm sorry, I missed your mention. And you right, Michelangeli is not as tight in the run as say, Katchen. Well done on picking up such things as this. You are helping us to really sharpen our listening skills & enjoyment of the work in question by closely comparing different performances.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@shantihealer you’re very welcome. Glad you appreciated our video. Enjoy the music.

[@alanus52]

I love the version by Hélène Grimaud conducted by Vladimir Jurowski Chamber Orchestra or Europe. Brings tears to my eyes every time. She plays with so much feeling

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your suggestion!

[@andrewmorgan7919]

Many thanks and thoroughly interesting. For something different but just as beautiful as the original, check out Herbie Hancock’s arrangment and recording of the 2nd Movement on his 1998 album “Gershwin’s World”.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you very much for your kind encouragement and comment. I don’t know the work you suggest, but will take a listen this morning! Thanks for the tip!

[@user-us8vk1ft3b]

Thank you. I need to correct the composition date you mentioned on this incredible concerto; not 1906, but completed in 1931.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi Thanks, for this. I appreciate that. However, the point I was making is that he started thinking about it and its possibilities in 1906. Perhaps I wasn’t clear!

[@josefserf1926]

Maybe this is one of the most beautiful, but as far as I know, the Rachmaninoff PC2 remains unsurpassable. It's difficult to believe it emerged from a human imagination.

[@PearlAcoustics]

That is indeed an incredible thing. And when great artists are interviewed, they almost universally acknowledge that they feel that it comes from without them and that they are just a channel. The fact is, it’s a human invention but a total mystery at the same time! Thanks very much for your comment

[@timchromecast]

Pearl Acoustics + Galaxy Studios Mol (Belgium). Would be magical ❤

[@PearlAcoustics]

Indeed, it’s a fabulous location!

[@gordonwong7158]

For me, this is one of your best videos, and thank you for taking the chance on making a long video. I enjoyed every minute. You were so efficient and organized, and you showed me a lot of information in a really short time. Could have gone longer as far as I am concerned. Question: I listened to all the recordings you mentioned and also came across Yuja Wang's recording, which is newer. I personally do not prefer this new recording but was wondering why you didn't feature this one. I ask because, in a general sense, new recordings tend to have better quality, but I am not sure about this one. Any thoughts? Thank you again.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you very much for your kind comment and appreciation. It means a lot to me. I listened to the Wang recording a couple of times and for me, it didn’t touch the parts the others did. So sadly, I dropped it 🙁. Maybe I was too hasty? Modern recordings can sometimes be technically better, but way too many have all the instruments close miked and you end up with a nice sounding collection of individual instruments, rather than a cohesive orchestral sound…

[@gordonwong7158]

@@PearlAcousticsappreciate this insight and really agree that the other recordings , despite their age ,sound much more emotionally touching and present. Great choice and not too hasty at all.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@gordonwong7158 thank you!

[@NemesisCOD]

I fell in love with this piece (and Rach 4) with that Michelangeli recording. To me his unaffected manner of playing builds a certain poignancy, now a lot of other pianists come off as overly ambitious and showy to me.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your contribution to the discussion.

[@geraldchristensen2826]

Another new favorite video... I have the Bernstein record, and always wondered about the ending, I think I need to add the Grimaud to the library. The Sioux Falls, South Dakota Symphony included Bolero in a program a couple seasons ago. It seems like every section of the orchestra contributed a solo, and the percussionist received a standing ovation. The best part was seeing the orchestra just so totally enjoying themselves. Two quick questions: Are you considering a USA distributor for Sibelius? And, how are you going to heat your listening room this winter (can the tubes keep up)? The US distributor would bust my budget, but i can't think of a better way.... thank you

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, thank you for your kind appreciation. We currently have lots of customers across the US and two listening rooms where people can go to hear our loudspeakers. But our customers buy directly from us. Oh, and yes? The big Sugden Class A amplifier will heat the room when it is very cold and otherwise the tube amplifiers we have.

[@geraldchristensen2826]

I will go back to the website. thanks, gary@@PearlAcoustics

[@HeelPower200]

Thank you for your wonderful and substantive work. I was wondering if you got something in the works for Anton Bruckner as well. I feel he is a composer where acoustics/audio experience is just as important as the actual interpretation. Would be so awesome to hear which recordings measure up from an audiophile perspective!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, thank you for your kind appreciation. It’s very well received. Now Anton Bruckner…. What would we cover; one his big symphonies maybe the unfinished 9th in D minor, or perhaps his Te Deum? Interesting choice! I will put him on the list but it might be a while. We’ve got a change of mood next and then I want to come back with something very different, something easy to listen to but still intricate enough to feed the intellect and the soul, maybe a Haydn string quartet?

[@HeelPower200]

​​@@PearlAcousticsThank you for your response. The unfinished D Minor has Anton's most refined sense of orchestration certainly with its massive "walls of sound". Coverage of Haydn would be a beautiful choice. I look forward to how you would bring out details of the austere sound of the String Quartet ensemble!

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@HeelPower200 thanks. Looking forward to sharing it with you in the New Year…

[@normanmeharry58]

You can hear instantly where Stravinsky got some inspiration from

[@PearlAcoustics]

Indeed… this period of musical history was a wonderous time of change and exploration

[@JohnFraserFindlay]

Been into that since the 70s.. I think I have the Alicia DeLaRocio version vynil

[@PearlAcoustics]

👍

[@RafaelOliveira-kh3gv]

Hello Mr. Harley Lovegrove. May I sugest you listen to ALICIA de LAROCCHA pianist. I´ve listened to inumerous recordings, and I still belive she is my favorite one. Try if you will. Thank you for this video. The second movement is by far my favorite music above al kinds, genres, styles. It Is divine.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you for your kind message. I will certainly follow your advice. Can only agree about the 2nd movement, I find it needs the others to make it all the more remarkable. If you know what I mean?

[@jdcharlwood]

Humming - has Keith Jarrett had a go at this? Love your analysis of the works that you discuss.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks, much appreciated

[@davidsheriff9274]

I don't think so, but Herbie Hancock plays the second movement on a record called Gershwin's Mood.

[@Derffee]

Thank you so much I really find it educational. I do like classical music anyway, but I have learnt a lot From this video I think my favourite is one your ex-girlfriend gave to you second one is the live version. I looked to see if you could buy a live version on LP hopefully one day they will I will listen to a live version and watch it later on. Sadly it’s going to be have to be through a sound bar once again, thank you

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you very much for your kind comment. You might find a secondhand LP on Discogs, if you are prepared to take the risk? Good luck with the soundbar

[@Derffee]

@@PearlAcoustics just let you know when you did the review on kid A radiohead i’ve just treated myself to the LP for Christmas. It comes today but it’s going under the Christmas tree untill Christmas Day.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@Derffee 😀👍🎄

[@bezuglich]

Harley have you given a run-down of your equipment somewhere?

[@PearlAcoustics]

I keep forgetting to do that. It varies from video to video but I will look it up and put it in the description.

[@bezuglich]

@@PearlAcoustics Because, whoa! Even more better if, like the pros do, you swap out stuff from time to time.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, I have updated it in the description, but here it is too (to save you going back to look): HiFi equipment used in this video: Loudspeakers: Pearl Acoustics SG Preamplifier: Sugden DAP800 Amplifier: English Acoustics 41c Cables: Loudspeaker cables: Pearl Acoustics Neutral Balance, Interconnects: AudioQuest (various) Listening Room acoustic panels: GIK

[@rags015]

If there is one speaker designed exclusively with classical music in mind, the pearl acoustics Sibelius is it!! Unfortunately it is way too expensive for me. Also not available in India. What about a subwoofer? Do you have plans to build one? After all the lowest note on a piano is 27 Hz! The organ goes even lower to 16 Hz!!

[@PearlAcoustics]

That’s a kind comment. Indeed, the Sibelius is not a cheap loudspeaker, but it is available in India. In terms of frequency response, the lowest note if the piano is not a problem. The limiting factor is the size of the room. To produce very low notes, you need enough length to form the sound wave. Many rooms are simply not long enough to hear it properly, as it should be.

[@GBTCO2b]

Gramophone came to the same conclusion. I can't stand any of his Ircam music, but Boulez was a really great conductor, especially of Ravel.

[@jedi-mic]

Something magical about the Deca recording it was definitely the best. What do you contribute to that to? Its not just a microphone set up can't be. Old Deca recordings from the 50s to mid 60s had wonder if it's anything to do with the mic preamp EMI, I've got one actually from Deca, something special about them something in the pressing ? I don't know!

[@PearlAcoustics]

There are so many aspects at play. I personally put it mainly down to acoustics. They chose great locations and knew how to use the space to get incredible results.

[@bayarbuyan84]

Are we listening to a CD recordings or vinyl record?

[@PearlAcoustics]

CD.

[@fifimombo8728]

Please, What cables are you using here ? Thanks

[@PearlAcoustics]

The loudspeaker cables are our own: Pearlacoustics.com the interconnects are mostly AudioQuest.

[@fifimombo8728]

Thanks. But what is your model of Musical Fidelity Integrated amp and Sugden integrated amp you are usually using ?

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@fifimombo8728 hi, thanks for the question. We have many different types in our listening room. From Sugden it’s mostly the the A21SE. From MF we hi for the M8s pre-power combination.

[@fifimombo8728]

@@PearlAcoustics Thank you very much. I am sure that my future system will be built aroud Sibelius speakers and one of theise amplifiers

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@fifimombo8728 you’re very welcome. Feel free to reach out to us via our website at anytime.

[@822003]

I must say though, in my opinion Ravel's piano concerto for the left hand is the best piano concerto ever written. Better than Mozart, Brahms & Tchaikovsky put together. 💯 👍🏾 👏🏾👏🏾

[@PearlAcoustics]

Indeed, we each have our preferences

[@davidsheriff9274]

What was the piece that Ravel said contained no music, was it Bolero?

[@PearlAcoustics]

Absolutely!

[@PearlAcoustics]

In fact Bolero was written much later, so my talk is a bit misleading from a chronological standpoint

[@davidsheriff9274]

@@PearlAcoustics but then what was the piece Ravel was referring to?

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@davidsheriff9274 Bolero. He wrote it in 1928.

[@davidsheriff9274]

@@PearlAcoustics Oh okay, I was a little confused. why would he say that it contains no music? Maybe he thought it was too popular and not sophisticated enough,too catchy perhaps. I am a huge Ravel fan and I used to roll my eyes when people would mention Bolero, but then I saw it performed live and it really blew my mind.

[@hamidrezahabibi8111]

I’m with you 💯 percent. Zimerman and Boulez. Magnificent performances. The liner notes are interesting. They talk about more than 25 mistakes on the part of Orchestras and soloists of former recordings of this piece. 🫵✨💎♾️

[@PearlAcoustics]

Goodness me, I have not read the liner notes… will do so today! Thanks 🙏

[@markfischer3626]

I have a lot of problems with things that are claimed to be "the best." The best audio equipment, the best car, the best piano concerto. It really is a matter of opinion. One person's best is another person's meh, and still another person's worst. I have trained my mind to not react emotionally to anything that doesn't affect my life personally. It's one of many defenses I have invented against being manipulated by other people most of whom seem to have something to sell to me or want me to do for their benefit. That doesn't mean I don't enjoy some music, art, or other pleasures in life as much as others do but nobody is going to get me to join the military with a patriotic song or believe in god with a beautiful mass. So I have opinions of what I like and don't like and to what degree. I have a lot of problems with this piano concerto that cause me to not like it. For me the essence of music is melody. Of the four elements that I was taught make up music rhythm is inherente as music is an event in time. You can't have music without tonality. A solo instrument that can only play or sing one note at a time cannot create harmony but I suppose strung together can create harmonious combinations or dissonant combinations. Dissonance has its place but not for its own sake. Without purpose dissonance is just another name for noise. I often take up challenges. Someone challenged me to listen to Wagner and give it a chance. On the whole I don't like his music. It has nothing to do with politics, I disconnected music from politics, once art or music or literature are made public I consider that they belong to the world. So for six months I listened to nothing but Wagner to find out if I really didn't like his music and why. And here is what I came up with. With a few notable exceptions, his otherwise brilliant compositions do not have melodies. Instead they are merely phrases. There are exceptions such as the Ride of the Valkyries. The Death of Isolda barely makes it. A melody is like a sentence, it is a statement, it says something. A phrase can be part of a sentence but when it stands alone it's just not enough. And that is what Wagner and others do sometimes. They do not write complete melodies. Even the most otherwise outstanding compositions in other ways fail to produce a melody. Oddly some compositions that you wouldn't think have melodies like the Rite of Spring actually do even if they are convoluted and dissonant. So what about Ravel's piano concerto. What a mish-mash of other composer's styles it is. It starts out with something that could have been inspired by Petrushka. The piano comes in briefly with a typically Spanish motif. Then the clarinet switches to Gershwin straight out of Rhapsody in blue. Then back to a dreamy Spanish motif, then back to Gershwin again. Rachmaninoff comes in later. How many composer's styles can you pick out and where is the melody, something you can hum or put words to and sing as a song? I couldn't find one. I'm glad you enjoy it. I don't. Best? Again, a matter of personal opinion. Oh, and the slow movement could have been written by Satie, a composer whose gymnasium music I don't like.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Dear Mark, thank you for adding to the debate with your detailed comment and revue.

[@tl9756]

Would have been great if you played that on the P10 instead..

[@PearlAcoustics]

Indeed, but I would have needed all 6 vinyl LP’s and finding the exact spots to compare would have been tricky 😉 Best wishes

[@clivewebber-oo7in]

Why did you mention 1906?

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your question… perhaps you can expand it a bit? I made the video back in November, and because they are not scripted, I cannot recall the context from memory…

[@clivewebber-oo7in]

At the beginning of your talk you say “imagine it’s the year 1906”.Did you mean 1926?

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@clivewebber-oo7in ah, yes indeed… thanks for raising this point. You have picked up on an apparent confusion born out of my improvisational talking style. What I wanted to say is: that he first had the concept of the piece in 1906, that he started writing it in 1913, but stopped in 1914 and didn’t resume until 1929, after his Bolero had become such a massive hit, not finishing the work until 1931! (I hope I have got all my dates right)? Perhaps I should put this amendment in the description?

[@JohnFraserFindlay]

Prokofiev !

[@PearlAcoustics]

Indeed, what an awful oversight! Please forgive me! And he wrote 5 that I know of! 🙁

[@JohnFraserFindlay]

@@PearlAcoustics And!!!! They both wrote a left hand concerto each for that German concert pianist who had hi hand blown off in WW1..Wittgenstein or something!! Very much enjoy your channel..glad to come across it!

[@JohnFraserFindlay]

sorry for going OT!!! :)

[@JohnFraserFindlay]

my bad LEft Hand Concerto: 1975 Ravel: Concerto For Left Hand and Concerto For Piano in G; Faure: Fantaisie for piano and orchestra (Decca)

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@JohnFraserFindlay thanks! I never knew that!

[@mediascapes2011]

yep music is personal, for me its Prokofiev's Piano Sonata No. 7 in B flat major, Op. 83. Just can't get Ravel, too sweet, too much rainbow sugar cream, makes me feel uncomfortable.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your comment. Indeed I forgot to mention Prokofiev in my list of composers in my introduction. I enjoy Prokofiev too. Best wishes

[@henrigaziel2002]

Try Larrocha. She answers your arguments better.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for the tip. I am listening right now 😉

[@maxgregorycompositions6216]

Mozart wrote 27 piano concertos.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi thanks for your comment. Well yes he did write 27 but I carefully mentioned the 21 that we know to be truly 200% his. Because some of his early work and other pieces are arrangements of other composers works etc..

[@warp2600]

No way any concerto can take away the No.1 and No.2 places from Rachmaninoff's 2nd and 3rd. No need to talk about it - just listen.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your comment and recommendation!

[@lotharlamurtra7924]

Oh please, let’s forget Rachmaninov…

[@hamidrezahabibi8111]

We’re talking Maurice Ravel here 😂

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@hamidrezahabibi8111 😀👍

[@warp2600]

@@hamidrezahabibi8111 guess what. I can read. Can you? I was reflecting to the question in the title.