Orchestre National de Lyon
MDR Rundfunkchor, Leipzig
Jun Märkl (conductor)

Ravel described his sumptuous score, for large orchestra, wind machine and wordless chorus, as "a choreographic symphony in three parts... a vast musical fresco... faithful to the Greece of my dreams." His earliest orchestral work, the "fairy overture" 'Sheherazade' is all that remains of a planned opera based on 'The Thousand and One Nights'. Ravel conducted the premiere in 1899, although the score remained unpublished until 1975.


“This is one of the most spectacular of showpieces among ballet scores, and the Lyon orchestra gives a powerful and subtle performance, with the wind and brass soloists outstanding. The Leipzig Radio Choir… adds to the glow of the performance, which can match almost any version in the catalogue. Naxos has again demonstrated its rare ability to produce excellent discs at bargain price.” Gramophone Magazine, June 2009


“…this is bewitching music-making that should on no account be missed… One of the finest discs Naxos has ever released.” Classic FM Magazine on 8.570759 ORCHESTRAL DISC OF THE MONTH