Ravel the Pianist

[redbaron]

What's all this about Ravel not being a very good pianist? It seems to have been a hotly debated topic for a long time. There's a recording entitled 'Ravel Plays Ravel' on the Dal Segno label featuring the composer playing such demanding works as the Toccata, Le Gibet, Jeux D'eau and Ondine. So he may not be the greatest interpreter of his own pieces but to play Ondine or the Toccata at all requires a fairly predigious technique. So why does the opinion still persist that he was a poor pianist?

[birba]

I wasn't aware that opinion existed...

[redbaron]

Shocking isn't it...?

[john11inc]

I really don't think any informed people are out there saying Ravel wasn't a good pianist.  He was known as a formidable pianist before he was known as a composer, and won a couple very prestigious competitions.