The music of Ravel is especially close to Alexandre Tharaud's heart. Now, in partnership with the Orchestre National de France and conductor Louis LangrÃ©e, he has recorded both the composer's piano concertos, pairing them with Noches en los jardines de EspaÃ±a (Nights in the Gardens of Spain), Manuel de Falla's sumptuous work for piano and orchestra. "Ravel's Concerto in G major is fresh and Mozartian in it's colours, while his Concerto for the Left Hand is haunted by dark shades and suppressed fears," says Tharaud. Both concertos were premiered in 1932. "Characteristically for Ravel, they are simultaneously unique and alike. They share meticulous craftsmanship and jazzy touches, and both evoke little automata and the ghosts of war." The cross-currents of French and Spanish culture, so evident in Ravel's aesthetic, flow though Falla's concerto-like piece too. The Andalusian composer lived for a time in Paris and became friendly with Ravel. "The solo piano in Noches en los jardines de EspaÃ±a plays a different role from the piano in the Ravel concertos," continues Tharaud. "It blends in more closely with the orchestra, though the works share a Romantic spirit and a poignant sense of nostalgia."

Tracklist:

Piano Concerto in G Major, M. 83: I. Allegramente
Piano Concerto in G Major, M. 83: II. Adagio assai
Piano Concerto in G Major, M. 83: III. Presto
Piano Concerto for the Left Hand in D Major, M. 82: I. Lento
Piano Concerto for the Left Hand in D Major, M. 82: II. Allegro
Piano Concerto for the Left Hand in D Major, M. 82: III. Tempo I

UPC: 5054197660771
Label: Erato
Release Date: 4.12.24
Format: Vinyl Record

Alexandre Tharaud - Ravel: Piano Convertos [LP]