Orchestre de l'Opera National de Paris/Philippe Jordan

Debussy, Stravinsky, Ravel Orchestral Works

(Naive)

a glorious collection of Ballets Russes commissions, with music fabulously played by the national orchestra of Paris Opera under the superbly paced, flawlessly consistent direction of Philippe Jordan. The repertoire is wall-to-wall classics, with a nail-biting centenary performance of The Rite Of Spring that is wonderfully controlled, without losing its thumpingly incisive, visceral edge, a sumptuously heady account of Debussy's L'apres-midi d'un faune, which throbs with the heat of eroticism, and a measured performance of Ravel's Bolero that might just make you think again about this old battle horse, whose accumulation is irresistible in Jordan's performance. Stunning clarity of orchestral detail throughout is a prominent feature, with playing to die for from the Paris Opera Orchestra, and interpretations shot through with intellect, intelligence and clear purpose. If there's anyone out there, like me, assembling a modern set of Rite Of Spring performances, this one should definitely be added to the list.

Michael Tumelty