Best version of Ravel's Piano Concerto in G?

[MrGreen]

Whats the best CD recording?

Is there a bernstein cd? Or just the youtube videos?

Cheers.

 

[mbhaub]

This is my opinion, but there just aren't any bad recordings, and many of superb quality. But the two I listen to the most are all on EMI.

Choice 1 is the Collard/Maazel collaboration. Maazel is arguably the finest Ravel conductor of the last 50 years and Collard is right there with him.

Choice 2 is the Francois/Cluytens version. Out of print, but well worth seeking out. Cluytens is about as authentic as you can get with Ravel. A fine companion disk to Cluyten's recordings of Ravel's orchestral music. Francois plays with glittering elegance.

 

[Mink]

I like Boulez/Zimerman (DG) and Abbado/Argerisch (DG Originals) a lot.

 

[augustwest]

I would suggest:

Arturo Michelangeli / Garcis & the Philharmonia Orchestra

It's the definative version.

- augustwest

 

[Drosera]

I second the recommendation for Zimerman/Boulez on DG, it's excellent.

And for something a little less strait-laced you might want to try Francois/Cluytens (EMI). (EDIT: It actually isn't out of print, I think.)

As far as I know, there are three different recordings of Bernstein performing this concerto. But I don't know if any of those versions are available at the moment. I only have his live recording with the Wiener Philharmoniker (DG, 1971), directing them from the piano. I wouldn't really recommend that version, except for it's simple joy of playing, it's bit of a mess. His other versions are said to be much better.

 

[pbarach]

Zimerman/Boulez is good, BUT... Boulez just recorded both Ravel concertos live in concert with the Cleveland Orchestra and Pierre-Laurent Aimard. I attended the concerts. If the sound quality is good, these performances will be at the top of my list.

I also like Argerich/Abbado/London Symphony, and many people rate it highly along with Michelangeli/Gracis (which didn't move me, especially because of the annoying left-hand-first mannerism in the second movement). The later Argerich/Abbado/Berlin remake isn't as fresh.

 

[LFF]

Quote:

Originally Posted by augustwest /img/forum/go_quote.gif I would suggest: Arturo Michelangeli / Garcis & the Philharmonia Orchestra It's the definative version. - augustwest

X 2!

 

[DeusEx]

Anyone have the Yundi Li version? I think it comes with the Prokofiev no.2.

 

[eyeresist]

I like Fowke/Baudo on Classics For Pleasure (EMI). Michelangeli is too cold for me. Bernstein's early recording is good, but in old sound. Delarocha is decent, but a bit weak in personality. I can't recall any other versions offhand.

 

[bigshot]

Bernstein's version conducting from the keyboard is pretty amazing. It's available on a CD by Symposium (or on RCA Victor 78s).