Ravel, Debussy, Sluka : Impressions, œuvres pour harpe et hautbois

Description

When two such established soloists, accustomed to performing as a duo for about twelve years, take on this type of project, the result is less of yet another adaptation, a sort of derivative product meant to flatter each instrumental ego, than a creative opportunity. The musicians also explain their approach and its genesis in the trilingual booklet (the French version is sometimes confusing). Moreover, haven’t the two main composers featured here often been the first to promote a dialogue between original versions and orchestrations of either their own works or those of aesthetically similar musicians (Chabrier, Caplet…)? While the Tombeau de Couperin, which has received particular attention, does not include a Fugue, it nonetheless offers a sparkling version of the Toccata. The whole, very successful and also supported by impeccable sound quality, is of obvious musical interest and reveals a great freshness upon listening. We should not forget, alongside the works of Ravel and Debussy presented, two original compositions by Sluka, which, without being out of place, perfectly serve the coherence of the program. Supraphon thus confirms both its legendary demand for quality and its place among the essential European labels. (Alain Monnier)