Rachmaninov Ravel Lise De La Salle - Rachmaninov Ravel

Review by Tibor Sarnyai

Rachmaninov Ravel, the album by Lise De La Salle, is a stunning collection of classical piano pieces that showcase the virtuosity and musicality of the French pianist. Released in 2019, the album features works by two of the most celebrated composers of the early 20th century, Sergei Rachmaninov and Maurice Ravel.

The album opens with Rachmaninov's Prelude in G minor, Op. 23 No. 5, a brooding and intense piece that sets the tone for the rest of the album. De La Salle's playing is powerful and expressive, capturing the emotional depth of the music. She brings a similar intensity to Rachmaninov's Etudes-Tableaux, Op. 33, a set of ten pieces that are among the composer's most challenging works for piano.

The second half of the album features Ravel's music, starting with the hauntingly beautiful Pavane pour une infante défunte. De La Salle's interpretation is delicate and nuanced, highlighting the piece's intricate harmonies and textures. She also performs Ravel's Gaspard de la nuit, a three-movement suite that is considered one of the most difficult works in the piano repertoire. De La Salle's technical mastery is on full display in this piece, as she navigates the intricate rhythms and virtuosic passages with ease.

Summary by Tibor Sarnyai

Rachmaninov Ravel is a remarkable album that showcases De La Salle's exceptional talent and artistry. Her playing is both technically flawless and emotionally resonant, bringing these timeless works to life in a way that is both powerful and deeply moving. Any fan of classical piano music should add this album to their collection.