First-class, this fifty-six-minute account played beautifully, equally well-recorded (with nineteen cue points), Aziz Shokhakimov seamlessly traversing the score’s symphonic choreography without denuding atmosphere, characterisation, or any one episode; much beauty (the dawn of a new day), plenty of thrills (Chloe-kidnapping pirates). Pacing and detailing (percussion smartly realised and dynamically observant) are exemplary, with potent vocalising (the chorus of Deutsche Oper am Rhein, where Shokhakimov also officiates), and an exciting final bacchanal. This Strasbourg Daphnis can stand alongside such as Ansermet, Cluytens, Boulez and Munch (both twice), Haitink (Boston), and the recent Pappano (I’ll mention Monteux this time, he conducted the premiere, although his Decca version is somewhat overrated, dare I say, if perhaps instructive). Warner Classics 2173262823.
Aziz Shokhakimov & Orchestre philharmonique de Strasbourg record Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé for Warner Classics.
