La Mer / Nocturnes / Prelude a L'apres-Midi D'une

Strong in Mediterranean atmosphere,... La Mer has an underlying grip... concentrates on evocation at the opening and creates a real pianissimo, helped by the wide dynamic range of the recording... overall there is plenty of excitement, with the LSO virtuosity in the finale matched by the rich-toned ardor of the strings when they rise to the emotional peak of Jeux de vagues.. Fetes proceeds spectacularly, glittering in color... not conventional readings but full of impulse and superbly recorded.