What's the best recording of Ravel's 'Daphnis et Chloé'?

Question

What's the best recording of Ravel's 'Daphnis et Chloé'?

Answer 1

All three of the recordings listed, I'll second as well. I went to see Martha Argerich play Prokofiev's 3rd piano concerto with the Minnesota Orchestra, and she canceled (again.) So instead, the orchestra played Daphnis...it was breathtaking. I don't know if they ever released a CD, but it was extraordinary. Dutoit was conducting (but not for Martha!)



Anyway, beautiful piece. Always loved it! I hope you get a chance to see it performed soon!

Answer 2

Don't know as regards the best but I love Charles Munch's 1955 recording with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ravel-Daphnis-Chlo%C3%A9-Maurice/dp/B0002TKFHW

Answer 3

Boulez reigns supreme, but NOT his Berlin recording. Get the far better one with the New York Philharmonic. Also I would recommend the Fruhbeck De Burgos with the New Philharmonia. This may be difficult to obtain but it is the most languorous, gorgeous performance of this meltingly beautiful score. On the really inexpensive side, Arte Nova has a splendid performance under Michael Gielen and the SWR Symphony. This, of course refers to performances of the complete ballet and not just the suite. My own taste would nix Monteux and both Munch performances--uninteresting and ordinary.

Answer 4

Daphnis And Chloe Ravel

Answer 5

Seconding two already given recommendations:





1) Charles Munch's 1955 recording with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. - remastered, should be on Sony Classical (budget), and has not been 'bettered' - you will only find 'different'



2) Boulez / Berlin Phil recording. Pierre (and contemporary engineering) gives a crystal clear reading, with every instrumental part in balance, and yet each clearly audible in the texture. This is more like 'looking at the score.' I find it amazing, but more a clinical and intellectual pleasure.



The Munch is also amazing, intellectually but too on the sheer visceral / sensual plane.



So, I'd most strongly recommend obtaining both recordings... and have fun!





Best regards.



P.s. (The Monteux recordings are more of 'archival' interest because he premiered much of the early 20th century repertoire, including Stravinsky's Rite of Spring!)

Answer 6

Unfortunately the Dover score, while being cheep to buy, is a reprint of an early Durand edition and has more engraving mistakes than any other current published edition. If you can hear wrong notes you are going to wonder why what you see, and what your hear, are not the same. In the 5/4 section especial the engraver was confused as he did not copy the pitches in the manuscript.

Major orchestras now play from corrected parts so the Boulez recording would be closest to what Ravel wrote.

Answer 7

Ooh... that's one of my favorite pieces. I have a recording of the Riccardo Chailly Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, but I have a feeling that there are better ones.

Answer 8

Claudio Abbado by far

Answer 9

I have Pierre Boulez with the Berlin Phil which is excellent.

Answer 10

General concensus seems to be that the 1959 recording with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Pierre Monteux (who actually conducted the first performance as a young conductor) is the one to have. Despite its age, the recording sounds remarkably fresh today.



My vote for the runners-up place would be Charles Dutoit's recording (like the Monteux, on Decca/London) with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra.