In review---Enchanted Ravel
Gerald Finley and Julius Drake Songs by Ravel Hyperion/Harmonia Mundi French Impressionist composer Maurice Ravel specialized in short, ensemble compositions. Although his songs are less frequently recorded or written about, Ravel mastered both art and folk songs. The art songs would have reflected the era and country in which he resided. The French were not at that time short on poets or interdisplinary arts. So Ravel would have had his share of poetic muses in which to create musical canvasses. His love of folk songs, especially Spanish folk songs, came from his Basque mother who instilled a love of Spain and its folk traditions. According to the liner notes for operatic baritone Gerald Finley and pianist Julius Drake’s interpretation of Ravel’s short form, Ravel’s Songs , these gems are not appreciated to the extent that they deserve. “Why this is so remains something of a mystery, but it could stem from his refusal to repeat himself, so there is nothing we can call ...