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Topic: Ravel the Pianist (Read 2403 times)

redbaron

Sr. Member
Posts: 359

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?

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birba

PS Silver Member
Sr. Member
Posts: 3725

Re: Ravel the Pianist

Reply #1 on: December 29, 2010, 06:02:39 PM

I wasn't aware that opinion existed...

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redbaron

Sr. Member
Posts: 359

Re: Ravel the Pianist

Reply #2 on: December 29, 2010, 11:12:36 PM

Shocking isn't it...?

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john11inc

PS Silver Member
Sr. Member
Posts: 550

Re: Ravel the Pianist

Reply #3 on: December 30, 2010, 04:13:50 AM

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.

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