Performer: (piano) Samson Francois
Orchestra: Paris Conservatory Concert Society Orch.
Conductor: Andre Cluytens
Composer: Maurice Ravel
Precisely why Samson François is not better known in the United States (or known at all for that matter) is a mystery. On this CD he plays Ravel with absolute mastery, refusing to prettify any of the jazz rhythms in the G major concerto, and by so doing, bringing out all of its toughness. There may be impressionism in this music, but there's plenty more, too. François gives the Concerto for Left Hand a performance filled with passion and excitement; indeed it's just this side of abandon. His Gaspard is full of the colors Ravel imbued it with as well. André Cluytens is the ideal leader for this type of music, and while his orchestra here is hardly world class, it's very good. And the remastered sound is excellent. --Robert Levine