Debussy Boîte à Joujoux; Ravel Mother Goose
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Composer or Director: Claude Debussy
Label: Chandos
Magazine Review Date: 9/1989
Media Format: Vinyl
Media Runtime: 0
Mastering:
DDD
Catalogue Number: ABRD1359
Tracks:
| Composition | Artist Credit |
|---|---|
| (La) Boîte à joujoux |
Claude Debussy, Composer
Claude Debussy, Composer Ulster Orchestra Yan Pascal Tortelier, Conductor |
Composer or Director: Claude Debussy
Label: Chandos
Magazine Review Date: 9/1989
Media Format: CD or Download
Media Runtime: 57
Mastering:
DDD
Catalogue Number: CHAN8711
Tracks:
| Composition | Artist Credit |
|---|---|
| (La) Boîte à joujoux |
Claude Debussy, Composer
Claude Debussy, Composer Ulster Orchestra Yan Pascal Tortelier, Conductor |
Composer or Director: Claude Debussy
Label: Chandos
Magazine Review Date: 9/1989
Media Format: Cassette
Media Runtime: 0
Mastering:
DDD
Catalogue Number: ABTD1359
Tracks:
| Composition | Artist Credit |
|---|---|
| (La) Boîte à joujoux |
Claude Debussy, Composer
Claude Debussy, Composer Ulster Orchestra Yan Pascal Tortelier, Conductor |
Author: Ivan March
Debussy had a keen affinity with the fantasy world of children although, as we know from Children's Corner, it is always observed through the eye of a sophisticated adult. So it is with the enchanting Boite a joujoux (''Box of toys''). ''I have tried to be clear and even amusing, without any kind of pose or unnecessary acrobatics'' the composer wrote in connection with the ballet, and to show he was smiling included witty quotations in the score from his own ''Golliwog's cakewalk'' (Children's Corner) and even more engagingly, the Soldiers' Chorus from Gounod's Faust. The lightness of touch in choice of material and the scoring which at times is almost pointillist in its impressionistic etching, certainly evokes a miniature world, while the robust contrasts usually have a positive character. It is delightfully inconsequential music, requiring precise playing and timing, and a strong sense of atmosphere. This Yan Pascal Tortelier readily demonstrates, while the Ulster Orchestra create brightly coloured and at times almost irridescent textures with some attractive moments of high drama, always in suitable scale.
The recording has to be marvellous and it is indeed, of a demonstration standard. Everything is clear and vivid and the ambience is just right to provide a background warmth against which the detail can glitter. Moreover, Tortelier integrates what is something of a patchwork-quilt of colourful ideas into an agreeably coherent whole.
It is perhaps a pity that Chandos chose Ravel'sMa mere l'oye as a coupling. Many collectors for whom the Debussy score is a novelty will already have this work, perhaps in Dutoit's exquisite Decca version. But Tortelier and his excellent orchestra give a very fine account of it: the opening catches the ravishing enchantment of Ravel's innocently sensuous orchestration and while there is no lack of ecstatic feeling, the performance also brings out the music's rhythmic balletic qualities, while the scene of ''Laideronette'' is deliciously exotic. Again, superb sound, and after the work's wonderfully delicate and graceful beginning the closing ''Jardin feerique'' reaches an exultant climax.
The documentation includes a band-by-band account of the stage action in La Bote a joujoux, complete with (black and white) illustrations by Andre Helle from the original score, which are quite charming and somehow very French. Cassette collectors can be assured that the tape, too, is a state-of-the-art transfer.'
The recording has to be marvellous and it is indeed, of a demonstration standard. Everything is clear and vivid and the ambience is just right to provide a background warmth against which the detail can glitter. Moreover, Tortelier integrates what is something of a patchwork-quilt of colourful ideas into an agreeably coherent whole.
It is perhaps a pity that Chandos chose Ravel's
The documentation includes a band-by-band account of the stage action in La Bote a joujoux, complete with (black and white) illustrations by Andre Helle from the original score, which are quite charming and somehow very French. Cassette collectors can be assured that the tape, too, is a state-of-the-art transfer.'
Debussy Boîte à Joujoux; Ravel Mother Goose
Debussy Boîte à Joujoux; Ravel Mother Goose
Debussy Boîte à Joujoux; Ravel Mother Goose
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