Jean-Efflam Bavouzet is a French pianist born in Brittany. At 62, he is currently one of the most remarkable keyboard artists in the classical galaxy.
Having released an impressive series of recordings, including the complete piano works of Debussy, the Beethoven and Haydn Sonatas and a complete cycle of Mozart piano concertos, he now offers us one of the finest complete works for solo piano by Maurice Ravel.
In fact, this is his second survey of the French master’s piano oeuvre, his first complete work having been released on the MDG label in 2003 and awarded a Diapason d’or by Diapason magazine.
On the present recording, we realize that Bavouzet has thoroughly rethought his interpretations, with greater fluidity and clarity, particularly in the Miroirs (1905) and the Sonatine (1905). As for his Gaspard de la nuit (1908), one of the undisputed summits of Maurice Ravel’s music, Bavouzet delivers a masterly interpretation that scrupulously respects Ravel’s indications regarding expressivity.
In my opinion, this recording joins those already celebrated by Gieseking (Warner 1956 in mono), Lortie (Chandos 1988-1989) and Thibaudet (Decca 1991) at the pinnacle of the repertoire. Magnificent production and, what’s more, the Chandos recording is splendid.
