[Dixielandjazz] The Long & Short of Jazzy Ravel

[Stephen G Barbone]

Snip from a NY TIMES Review of a classical performance



"The first half of the program also included an idiosyncratic  
rendition of Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G, which (like his Violin  
Sonata) is influenced by jazz. Alexander Toradze, the impressive  
soloist, offered a performance of striking contrasts, with an  
unusually soulful opening and barely audible pianissimos in the second  
movement. He tore through the virtuosic sections with fearless aplomb,  
accompanied with panache by the orchestra."

"During the final movement, Mr. Toradze’s left foot added an extra  
percussion accompaniment. He then leapt from the piano bench the  
second he struck the final note. After tumultuous and prolonged  
applause, the orchestra and soloist repeated the final movement in  
another propulsive blaze of color."



Jazz musicians, many of whom dig classical, and fans of Ravel may find  
the youtube of Leonard Berenstein playing this concerto interesting.  
If only to hear how Jazz influenced Classical. The three parts are at:  
(total of 25 minutes) If time is short, hear part 3 which is about 4  
and 1/2 minutes.



CAVEAT: More like modern jazz  than OKOM <grin>



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbI4c2os6YU&feature=related      Pt 1



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud6nbX5XKVk&feature=related   Pt 2



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwSQQ2qIc-0&feature=related     Pt 3



Cheers,

Steve Barbone
www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband