Ravel's two piano concertos originated almost in the same period (around 1930-32). Yet both concerts show a very different side of Ravel's musical personality. The sunny corners of the "Concert in G" stand out, with jazz influences reminiscent of Gershwin. The beautiful melody with which the middle movement begins was inspired by the slow movement from Mozart's "Clarinet Quintet". The "Piano concerto
… for the left hand", on the other hand, is more in keeping with the gloomy world as we encounter it in "Gaspard de la nuit". This concert was commissioned by the pianist Paul Wittgenstein (brother of the famous philosopher). This brilliant pianist was injured during the First World War, leaving only his left hand at his disposal. Ravel's piano concertos are excellently performed by pianist Krystian Zimerman, accompanied by (respectively) The Cleveland Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Pierre Boulez. This CD, which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful of the past year, also contains a performance of the "Valses nobles et sentimentales" in the orchestrated version. "Zimmerman and Boulez give such brilliant readings of both concerts that they will not be surpassed anytime soon," de Volkskrant said. (HJ) _ also includes a performance of the "Valses nobles et sentimentales" in the orchestrated version. "Zimmerman and Boulez give such brilliant readings of both concerts that they will not be surpassed anytime soon," de Volkskrant said. (HJ) _ also includes a performance of the "Valses nobles et sentimentales" in the orchestrated version. "Zimmerman and Boulez give such brilliant readings of both concerts that they will not be surpassed anytime soon," de Volkskrant said. (HJ) _more