Ravel Sonatine

[teosoleil]

Oh God, this piece is BEAUTIFUL. The amazing melodies seem to rise from the depths of the ocean, and run through the air like little mist and sprites.

Giesking's interpretation is the best, IMO: It bubbles and flows. His touch is beautifully suited to Ravel, and it sounds wonderfully delicate and bell-like (specifically in the 2nd movement).

What are your thoughts on this piece?

[patrickd]

It's one of my favorite pieces by Ravel. I really should put an effort into polishing it to a performance level.

[awesom_o]

*same thing the guy above just said*

[chopin2015]

I've played through 1st movement. EASY! then gets harder....a little.

[symphonicdance]

I think the real challenge (comparatively) is the last movement:  speed, sound/tone, phrasing, etc.

[unholeee]

my favourite ravel piece. i love argerich's version on youtube played quite quickly but i cant find any cd / album it is from. i learnt the 2nd movement but have trouble with the dynamics and rolled chord part.... one day

it's odd but i almost never count when i play. for some reason i counted this one. i guess i liked it so much i wanted to get it right. havent played it for a while now, and can't wait to learn it again when i'm more adept.

[dima_76557]

my favourite ravel piece. i love argerich's version on youtube played quite quickly but i cant find any cd / album it is from.

It's from an 8-CD box: "Martha Argerich, The Collection, Vol. 1: The Solo Recordings (CD - DG Deutsche Grammophon #001190702)", disc 5. You can hear excerpts from it here:
https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/martha-argerich-the-collection-vol-1-the-solo-recordings-mr0002160558

[stanleyy]

 I'm working on it now...  last movement is most challenging mainly the beginning part so hard to consistently doing it well. My teacher describe the last movement like a little bird who trying to fly. And at some stage of the music, it finally fly and see the world from it's new perspective from high above. Second movement like moon walking... So beautiful so heart warming at the same time very challenging(for me anyway...)

Glad to know people who share this love. I find Martha Argerich's recoding on this piece is bit harsh. Not my favorite. But still very very good! I much prefer Richter's recording. May be bit too old fashioned for some