Robin Ticciati & DSO - Ravel & Duparc: Aimer et mourir - Hi-Fi News

For his second programme of French music with his new Berlin orchestra, again with mezzo Magdalena Kožená, Ticciati throws his hat into the ring with the three-part Suite No 2 from Daphnis et Chloë (only one track allocated) and Valses nobles et sentimentales. In between there are four songs by Duparc - the Baudelaire setting utterly haunting - and Aux Étoies, evoking a starry night. (To understand the album's 'Amour et mourir' cover title Google 'Ticciati Ravel' for interview video.)

Beautifully balanced, with a complete stable soundstage - ie, not coming forward in forte passages - this spacious and exciting version I rate as at the level of the classic Cantelli and Karajan versions. The eight Valses are set more forward, as are song tracks 3-5, which for me slightly spoils the send of programme continuity.