RAVEL PIANO CONCERTOS

Alexandre Tharaud’s latest recording of Ravel’s Piano Concertos marks a delightful return to the composer’s works, completing a journey that began 20 years ago. In this album, Tharaud joins the ranks of esteemed pianists who have tackled Ravel’s concertos, including Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, and Louis Lortie, and delivers a performance that reflects his signature suavity and versatility.

Tharaud’s discography showcases his diverse artistry, ranging from Schubert Impromptus to French songs and curated collections of French Baroque and cinema music. His playing consistently exudes a refined elegance that seamlessly fits the spirited and universally cherished G major concerto featured on this recording.

The opening piece, the G major concerto, exudes an exhilarating sense of “off to the races” with a tempo that is notably brisk, nearly 40 seconds shorter than the Zimerman/Boulez rendition. This sprightly pace complements the work’s inherent high energy. Notably, the fearless and impeccably articulated trumpet solo deserves commendation. Tharaud’s stylish interpretation is evident in moments like 0’41”, where he imparts meaningful nuances, even if his approach lacks the bold swing that Thibaudet brings to his phrases in his performance with Charles Dutoit/Montréal. Tharaud’s piano performance introduces rhythmic accents that are both quirky and engaging, serving as rhythmic pushes in contrast to the slinky, jazzy orchestral sections. The high-octane moments are truly exciting, with a fitting mix of boldness and bite, although some of Tharaud’s accent placements might strike the listener as unconventional.

The second movement opens with a lengthy piano solo, which presents considerable challenges for the pianist. Ravel provides limited textural elements, leaving the performer to rely on phrasing, dynamics, and artistry to create a deeply moving experience. Tharaud expertly shapes the melodies, yet some of the smaller rhythmic subtleties feel slightly unnatural and out of sync with the music. Personal preferences may lean towards Zimerman’s rendition, which is simple, elegant, and smooth, and is distinguished by his exquisite tone quality, resulting in a deeply personal interpretation. The return of the theme at 6’15” featuring the English horn is a highlight, characterized by the wind player’s expressive use of vibrato. Tharaud’s skillful accompaniment allows for seamless alignment with the melodic ebbs and flows, showcasing his impressive collaborative abilities.

“Ravel’s Piano Concertos” is a compelling addition to the repertoire.  Tharaud’s interpretation brings a unique suavity to the pieces, and while there are moments where his choices may seem unconventional, they add a distinct charm to the performance.  Tharaud’s journey through Ravel’s works has certainly come full circle, and his contribution to the world of classical music remains noteworthy.