The Greatest Recordings EVER! Ravel: Piano Concertos

[@maudia27]

I find it challenging to determine the best version among the many I possess (Argerich, Bavouzet, Ciccolini, Larrocha, Michelangeli, François, and others). It is one of those pieces of music where many versions are excellent in their own right.

[@Taosravenfan]

I love that version.

[@mgconlan]

I was amused by your comments about the chronic sloppiness of French orchestras, especially during Ravel's lifetime. In 1928 Ravel visited New York and sat in on a rehearsal of Paul Whiteman playing the song "When." Ravel was unimpressed by the song and the arrangement, but he was very impressed by the precision with which the Whiteman band played. After hearing some of the French symphony recordings of the time, including Ravel's own 1930 performance of "Bolero," I can readily understand why he was so struck by the precision of the Whiteman band!

[@kandinskycat7722]

At the 18:40 mark of the Michelangeli live performance of the Ravel G major concerto (here on KZbin) is twenty seconds of the funniest conductor facial expressions that I have ever seen.

[@sierski]

Celibidache had his methods! :D

[@petervonberg2711]

Michelangeli for me.

[@mfortier1]

Bonjour ! from Montréal....I agree with you...Francois Samson is the reference but it is possible, because one of my pleasures when I listen to music is the sound! is there another cd with both sound and interpretation? Merci Beaucoup ! Martin

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Larrocha on Decca.

[@gavingriffiths2633]

The big Samson François box is still available on Amazon, reasonably priced - would you consider reviewing it? He is a wonderful pianist, ludicrously underrated here in the UK....

[@murraylow4523]

Very true. But also, Dave, I don’t think you’ve gone through the Andre Cluytens box on here. Sure, as physical product it might be elusive but you can get it to stream or download

[@JohnGavin-hz9bc]

Michelangeli for me too.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Yes, but I'm including the Left Hand Concerto too.

[@CluelessClutz]

@@DavesClassicalGuideThere’s no rule in this series that the same work cannot be featured twice, right? Because then we can all calm down until in a couple hundred videos the Michelangeli Ravel/Rachmaninov twofer will show up as one of the Greatest Recordings Ever (because it really is!).

[@able763]

Lucas Debargue for the G major. No contest