Tír Na HiFi

Anyone got a favourite set? Doesn't have to to be complete. I have Boulez conducting Le Mer, but it never really speaks to me compared to a 1.99 nonentity I picked up somewhere.

^^ Simon, Debussy and I just don't get on very well together...

... however I will say that the new BBC Music Mag has arrived this morning and, it's a Debussy Anniversary edition. It comes with CD of the complete 'The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastien' conducted by Thierry Fischer (a well known Debussy interpreter) besides a sizeable 11 page article on his major works, influences and legacy...

... and if that's not enough, then the Composer of the Month is Messiaen... which should keep you more than occupied.. ;-)

Thanks Jared, what are the chances, eh? Might have to pick that up.

I'll also take advice on Ravel's orchestral works if anyone fancies it, but I suspect that's not really up your street either?

Diapason wrote:I'll also take advice on Ravel's orchestral works if anyone fancies it, but I suspect that's not really up your street either?

I like his Piano Trio.... let's leave it there, shall we?

anyway, we have Darren back in our fold now, who's a big Ravel fan... I'll leave the floor open to him, as I'm sure he'd be delighted to help you out.

Thank for the 'shout out' Jared ;-)

Yes, I do love a bit of Ravel (I am glad someone noticed by obsession with the piano concertos and Bolero!) I have posted a few 'core' recommendations below. The Kocsis set doesn't get the plaudits I feel it deserves and may be deleted from official stockists (in that case Argerich/Abbado or Bavouzet/Tortelier are recommendable). I have listed 2 very similar 3-disc compilations - the Abbado is dazzlingly proficient and the Martinon dazzlingly and authentically gallic (Ravel is, for me, always dazzling :-)). I have many more recommendations if required.



As for Debussy; the Haitink RCO set usually suffices, but I am not best placed to offer concrete recommendations on his oeuvre. I admire Boulez's Debussy recordings though...

This is a very fine set of Debussy's complete orchestral works and is available on Brilliant Classics:



http://www.amazon.co.uk/Debussy-Orchest ... B000BL99UK


The Haitink/Concertgebouw Orchestra performances are fabulous:


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Debussy-Orchest ... B00000417P


HvK's is worth considering too:



and the great Fritz Reiner and the CSO:

Consider this another vote for the Martinon set of Ravel's Orchestral works:

Jared wrote:

Diapason wrote:I'll also take advice on Ravel's orchestral works if anyone fancies it, but I suspect that's not really up your street either?

I like his Piano Trio.... let's leave it there, shall we?

anyway, we have Darren back in our fold now, who's a big Ravel fan... I'll leave the floor open to him, as I'm sure he'd be delighted to help you out.

I really like Debussy and Ravel.

And if you want to try their String Quartets I can recommend these two sets, they are both magnificent, the Itailans do shade it though:

This is magnificent:


and this young group have produced a really great recording:

Seán wrote:I really like Debussy and Ravel.

Sorry Sean... didn't mean to leave you out; I just can't really remember what everyone has a passion for... I remembered Darren's because it has been mentioned on a couple of occasions recently.

anyway, I think Simon will consider himself to have been very well served with enticing suggestions... ;-)