Seong-Jin Cho's recent recording of Ravel's complete solo piano works offers a blend of technical mastery and emotional restraint, drawing a mixed response. While Cho exhibits remarkable sensitivity and technical skill, the high refinement of his playing sometimes diminishes the works' intensity and expressive depth. Pieces like Jeux d'Eau, though beautifully articulated, lack the vibrant sonority typically expected. In contrast, works like Gaspard de la Nuit and Miroirs display his skill but struggle to convey their haunting atmospheres fully. Overall, the album showcases both admiration for Cho's craftsmanship and a desire for deeper emotional engagement in his interpretations.
Cho plays with remarkable sensitivity and easily meets the music's technical demands. Yet the high refinement of his pianism sometimes drains these works of their intensity and expressive focus.
The nightmarish atmosphere of Gaspard de la Nuit emerges only fitfully, though the control and dexterity are wondrous.
There is so much to admire here, but I just wish Cho had found a bit more in music he plays so well.
David Lang has written hymns for a religion that doesn't exist. Its only document is this hymnal, which proclaims the virtues of charity and compassion.
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