Seoul, South Korea – Acclaimed pianist Seong-Jin Cho is set to release a comprehensive collection of Maurice Ravel's piano works, marking the 150th anniversary of the French composer's birth.
Universal Music announced on Tuesday that Cho will be releasing a series of recordings featuring Ravel's solo piano works and concertos. The digital release of "Le Tombeau de Couperin" is already available, with "Sonatine" set for release on December 13th and "Gaspard de la nuit" on January 3rd.
Deutsche Grammophon will release a complete recording of Ravel's solo piano works on January 17th, both digitally and as a two-CD set. The two piano concertos, recorded with Andris Nelsons and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, will be released on February 21st, followed by a deluxe edition featuring all tracks on April 11th. The concerto for the left hand, composed for pianist Paul Wittgenstein who lost his right arm in World War I, is particularly challenging, requiring the pianist to produce a full range of sounds and colors with just one hand.
Cho, who has been exploring Ravel's music since his time at the Paris Conservatory, has expressed his admiration for the composer's precision and clarity. "Ravel knew exactly what he wanted," Cho said. "I try to follow his specific instructions as closely as possible. For instance, 'Miroirs' is a very demanding piece technically. It's incredibly delicate and dramatic, yet full of imagination and color, so it's almost impossible to apply all of his instructions, but I'm doing my best."
Cho has described this project as a deeply enriching experience. "This is the first time I've recorded or performed the complete works of a composer," he said. "I've gained a much deeper understanding of Ravel. It's been a great pleasure to immerse myself in the various aspects of his music."
Following the release of his Ravel recordings, Cho will embark on a series of international performances, including recitals at Vienna's Konzerthaus, Carnegie Hall, and Walt Disney Concert Hall. He will also perform as a guest artist with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.
Cho recently performed Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2 and Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Simon Rattle.
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