Daphnis et Chloé (Complete Ballet)

Maurice Ravel

Recordings

Top Choice

Pierre Monteux / London Symphony Orchestra

1959 Excellent vintage Decca sound. Monteux conducted the premiere.

Top choice. Conducted by the man who premiered it. LSO sounds spectacular. Monteux brings warmth, sensuousness, and evocative qualities. A classic that stands the test of time.

Also Worth Hearing

André Cluytens / Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire

1962

Also great at evoking the spirit, but perhaps even a little more dramatic and exciting, with a bit more edge. Wonderfully done.

Charles Munch / Boston Symphony Orchestra

1955 Living Stereo demonstration recording, still sounds fantastic.

Another classic. A demonstration recording. Compared to Monteux's ethereal sensuousness, this gives more orchestral brilliance and clarity. Also fantastic.

Label: RCA Living Stereo

Charles Dutoit / Montreal Symphony Orchestra

1980 Early digital classic.

Dutoit's gentle style works well here. A gorgeous recording, lovely phrasing. The clarity and warmth of the digital sound add to it.

Ernest Ansermet / Orchestre de la Suisse Romande

1952 Mono. Dim and a little rough.

A beautiful interpretation despite the mono sound. Beautiful phrasing that just sweeps you away. Wonderful playing.