BaL 24.02.24 - Ravel: Mother Goose [complete ballet]

[Alison]

Johnny Wilson to win?

[Ein Heldenleben]

That first Boulez extract was the most ear catching so far.

The string sound in that last Boulez / BPO excerpt was absolutely ravishing.

[Ein Heldenleben]

Johnny Wilson to win?

Good prediction !

[Goon525]

Yes, well done Alison.Shame no mention of Dutoit.

[Alison]

What was that about Rattle and the BBC Philharmonic?

[Pulcinella]

Like us here (ha ha) he mentioned THE Boulez and THE Rattle, without acknowledging the other in either instance.
Surprised at some omissions (aren't we always?) and still not convinced (though I'll need to check the score in that YouTube link) that the slower speed just after Figure 4 (nicely done up to there) is warranted in the winning Wilson/SoL recording.
But a good episode, I thought.

[richardfinegold]

I found it on Apple Classical by entering ‘Ravel Monteux’ and then hitting ‘See all albums.’

This didn’t work for me. I am starting to wonder if it is a U.S. copyright issue or just some Apple glitch

[MickyD]

Yes, well done Alison.Shame no mention of Dutoit.

I find that an incredible omission.

[Maclintick]

Surprised at some omissions (aren't we always?) and still not convinced (though I'll need to check the score in that YouTube link) that the slower speed just after Figure 4 (nicely done up to there) is warranted in the winning Wilson/SoL recording.
But a good episode, I thought.

An enjoyable BAL -- Ben Gernon knowing the work from the inside, as it were, even if there were omissions & a few question-marks, at least for me. His enthusiasm for Orchestre de Paris/ Martinon, along with that of some knowledgeable board members, has encouraged me to seek it out. After that, I think I’ll give this piece a long rest….

[gradus]

I enjoyed it too and thought the Martinon very characterful. To my ears there's something about the recorded sound of the Wilson that didn't feel right until the final excerpt but altogether an excellent and informative short review.

[hmvman]

I find that an incredible omission.

Presumably Dutoit is still in disgrace. We never seem to hear those wonderful Montreal recordings on R3 these days.

[Barbirollians]

I don’t get John Wilson outside of film and theatre music - slick but soulless in my experience.

[Barbirollians]

Listening to the BAL I wonder whether with Wilson reviewers are seduced by the sound . The one I wanted to get hold of though was very much the Rattle. Very poor to leave out Dutoit IMO.

[Belgrove]

Presumably Dutoit is still in disgrace...

I think you have it in one hmvman! Will we ever hear a recommendation, or indeed any recording, by Levine?

I enjoyed this edition, not least through learning of the balletic scenario of which I was unaware, and despite not agreeing with the final recommendation.

[Alison]

The sound quality of the John Wilson recordings leaves something to be desired in my book. Yes, pockets of real quality to the sound but a certain swimmy quality dominates, lacking front to back perspective.