Lugansky - Ravel, Piano Concerto in D major, for the Left Hand

Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)
Piano Concerto in D major (for the left hand), M. 82 (1929-1931)
Nikolai Lugansky, soloist
Alexander Vedernikov conducting Russian National Orchestra, 2017

“…The concerto is one long movement, with an opening slow section followed by an allegro. As Ravel promised, it’s a serious work, particularly compared to his other concerto, but hardly solemn. After much orchestral fanfare, the piano enters with a virtuosic cadenza; Ravel described it as an improvisation, although as with all things in Ravel, it’s meticulously worked out. This is followed by music recalling the nights he spent in American jazz clubs. “Only gradually,” Ravel wrote, “is one aware that the jazz episode is actually built up from the themes of the first section.” It’s clear from Ravel’s melodies that he has learned all about blue notes, just as, in La valse and the Valses nobles et sentimentales, the quintessential Frenchman wrote perfect Viennese waltzes. The final cadenza provides spectacular ripples of arpeggios and a singing melody, all with just five fingers.”

- Phillip Huscher, Chicago Symphony Orchestra

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