While living in Paris at the turn of the century, Maurice Ravel was commissioned to write a ballet by the impresario and founder of the Ballets Russes, Serge Diaghilev. The result was music of fluid, delicate beauty—a languid drama of danger and desire.

The plot of Daphnis et Chloé is adapted from a second-century Greek erotic pastoral, and tells the captivating story of love and longing between the humble goatherd Daphnis and shepherdess Chloé. When Chloé is abducted by pirates, Daphnis calls upon higher powers to aid his pursuit. These forces of nature are mirrored in the score through Ravel's characteristic lush orchestration and vivid melodies. Interjections from a wordless chorus—sung in this performance by award-winning British ensemble, Tenebrae—perfectly capture the celestial might of the God, Pan, as he comes to the lovers' rescue.

Known for its rich harmonic textures and expansive scoring, Daphnis et Chloé is one of Ravel's largest and most loved orchestral masterpieces. Join the London Symphony Orchestra and Chief Conductor, Sir Antonio Pappano, on this dreamlike musical journey through Greek mythology, where passion, nature and divinity intertwine.

Composer Maurice Ravel
Conductor Sir Antonio Pappano
Performers London Symphony Orchestra, Tenebrae

Daphnis et Chloé, M. 57
Première partie
1. Introduction et Danse religieuse
2. Les jeunes filles attirent Daphnis - Danse Générale
3. Danse grotesque de Dorcon
4. Danse légère et gracieuse de Daphnis - Lyceion danse - Les pirates
5. Une lumière irréelle enveloppe le paysage - Danse lente et mystérieuse - Daphnis se prosterne suppliant

Deuxième partie
6. Voix, très lointaines - Animé et très rude (Danse guerrière) - Bryaxis ordonne d'amener la captive
7. Danse suppliante de Chloé - Bryaxis veut l'entraîner -L'ombre de Pan apparaît

Troisième partie
8. Lever du jour - Daphnis cherche pour Chloé et il rêve d'elle - Daphnis et Chloé miment l'aventure de Pan et de Syrinx
9. Chloé réapparaît
10. Animé - Danse Générale - Danse de Daphnis et Chloé - Danse de Dorcon - Danse finale (Bacchanale)

Release Date 14 February 2025
LSO0899 | 0822231189923
LSO0899-D | 0822231189961

Producer Stephen Johns
Engineers Jonathan Stokes and Neil Hutchinson for Classic Sound Ltd
Recorded 10-11 April 2024 in the Barbican Hall, London

Booklet in English, French & German

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