Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé

Featuring

François-Xavier Roth
Marion Ralincourt
Les Siècles
Ensemble Aedes
Maurice Ravel

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Composer's Artistic Vision

Ravel intended Daphnis et Chloé to be a 'vast musical fresco' faithful to 'the Greece of his dreams,' rather than an archaeologically accurate depiction.

Recording & Production

Conductor François-Xavier Roth meticulously reviewed the orchestral parts for this recording, correcting errors found in the printed score of Daphnis et Chloé.

Composition History

Maurice Ravel's ballet Daphnis et Chloé was commissioned by Serge Diaghilev for the Ballets Russes and premiered on June 8, 1912, in Paris.

Interpretation

The ensemble Les Siècles performs Daphnis et Chloé using period instruments from Ravel's time to restore the original colors and sound of the work.

Compositional Technique

Daphnis et Chloé uses the largest orchestral forces Ravel ever employed, including triple woodwind, a fourth trumpet, extensive percussion, and a mixed chorus.

Instruments

The recording uses early 20th-century French-built instruments, including gut strings, specific wind instrument bores, and period percussion, which differ significantly from modern instruments.

Critical Reception

The premiere of Daphnis et Chloé was generally well-received, though some critics found it 'Greek dressed in Russian style' and noted clichés in the choreography.