Best Daphnis et Chloe recording?

Question

In your opinion, of course.

I've only really listened to the Abbado/LSO, and like it very much, but I'm sure there are other "definitive" recordings of which I am not aware.

Oh, and I'm talking about the full Daphnis et Chloe -- not just the Suite No. 2! :)

Answer 1

I would not do without the archival budget re-release of Charles Munch directing the Boston Symphony orchestra.



Then more current but not fully 'recent,' Pierre Boulez, Berlin Philharmonic.



Both have a perfect control of the overall tempi in ratio for the entire piece, and some of the most remarkable control of dynamics, again, in relation to the entire piece.



I'm with you on the full-length ballet. Its not the same, no matter how well re-orchestrated by the composer, in suites one and two. The big deal is no chorus, which in this work IS removing a entire and very important section of the orchestra. Certainly one of Ravel's handful of true masterpieces.



While you're here, so to speak, I'd like to strongly recommend L'enfant et les sortileges. There are a number of recent recordings, many I'm certain quite good and great. However, There is another archival recording, great sound, I would not do without: Lorin Maazel conducting the French Radio orchestra on the DGG label. It is a magical piece.





Best regards.

Answer 2

I would second the Munch and Dutoit recommendations, but find Boulez too 'cold' for this sensuous music.



Most aficionados, however, still hold-up the glorious 1959 Decca (London) recording (in excellent stereo) by Pierre Monteux and the London Symphony Orchestra. Monteux conducted the very first performance of 'Daphnis et Chloë' in 1912 (AND 'The Rite of Spring' in 1913) and his account of this ballet is generally held-up as the benchmark recording. I return to it again and again.

Answer 3

I would say you *have* to hear the 1983 complete ballet recording with Charles Dutoit and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra on DECCA (I shouldn't do this but this is a noble cause so: http://www.amazon.com/Ravel-Daphnis-Pavane-infante-defunte/dp/B00001IVOS ). This recording won numerous international prizes (Deutscher Schallplattenpreis, Grand Prix du Disque, etc.) and is still, to this day, an interpretational yardstick for this work.



Danse générale: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edB9P8IECEA&playnext=1&list=PLFFA058C40C8849CC



Lever du jour: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg4Vto1j2KE&feature=autoplay&list=PLFFA058C40C8849CC&index=1&playnext=2



Absolutely unique interpretation...



Best regards