Ravel Abroad Odense Symphony Orchestra & Pierre Bleuse

• Maurice Ravel (1875 - 1937): La Valse:
• 1 Ravel: La Valse 13:02
• Rapsodie espagnole:
• 2 Ravel: Rapsodie espagnole: I. Prélude à la nuit 04:54
• 3 Ravel: Rapsodie espagnole: II. Malagueña 02:13
• 4 Ravel: Rapsodie espagnole: III. Habanera 02:34
• 5 Ravel: Rapsodie espagnole: IV. Feria 06:46
• Alborada del gracioso:
• 6 Ravel: Alborada del gracioso 07:43
• Boléro:
• 7 Ravel: Boléro 15:38
• Total Runtime 52:50

Info for Ravel Abroad

It is not without irony that, before the 20th century, some of the most famous “Spanish” classical music was written by French composers. Romantic-era artists and intellectuals viewed Spain as a land of seduction and mystery, captivated by its Moorish palaces and gardens, vibrant festivals, bullfights, colourful costumes, castanets, and flamenco. While Bizet’s Carmen remains the most iconic example, pride of place arguably belongs to Camille Saint-Saëns, whose Introduction and Rondo capriccioso for violin and orchestra (1863) already possessed a distinctly Hispanic flavour, Carmen would not appear for another twelve years.

In Ravel’s case, Spain was already in his blood through the influence of his Basque mother. Yet it amazed many musicians, including Manuel de Falla, that he could instinctively evoke such an authentic Spanish musical idiom.

The idea for this recording grew out of conductor Pierre Bleuse’s desire to immerse himself and the musicians of the Odense Symphony Orchestra in the music of Maurice Ravel, particularly the works inspired by Spain. Together, they have captured the extraordinary palette of colours, rhythmic vitality, and subtle articulations that bring this music vividly to life.

French conductor Pierre Bleuse has established himself as one of the most dynamic and versatile musicians of his generation. Since 2021, he has served as Music Director of both Ensemble intercontemporain in Paris and the Odense Symphony Orchestra, while also serving as Artistic Director of the Pablo Casals Festival in Prades.

Bleuse is especially admired for his interpretations of the French orchestral repertoire, and Ravel in particular. As you will hear on this, Pierre Bleuse’s OUR Recordings debut, his performances combine elegance with dramatic intensity, revealing not only the brilliance of Ravel’s orchestration but also the expressive depth beneath its shimmering surface.

Odense Symphony Orchestra
Pierre Bleuse, conductor

Pierre Bleuse
Much more than a profession, music is for me a deep commitment and a daily source of inspiration. As a conductor, I’ve been lucky enough to work with orchestras all over the world. These experiences have enabled me to explore musical worlds as varied as the great classical works and modern compositions, always with the aim of revealing the soul of each piece and making it accessible and lively for everyone.

Conducting an orchestra is not just about technique: it’s a form of dialogue in which every performer, every gesture and every silence contributes to a collective experience. I try to conduct with an approach that combines precision and spontaneity, so that each moment is a unique encounter between the audience and the musicians.

Passing on this passion is also essential for me. Alongside my career as a conductor, I’ve always been keen to share my passion with the younger generation. Whether working with young musicians or accompanying future conductors, I see this exchange as a way of passing on the musical heritage, but also the values of listening, rigour and openness that this art demands.

Odense Symphony Orchestra
is one of Denmark’s five regional orchestras. The orchestra was founded in 1946, but its roots go as far back as around 1800. Originally conceived as a theatre orchestra that also played symphonic music, today the orchestra is a modern symphony orchestra employing 66 full-time musicians of the utmost professional level in a constant state of development.

The orchestra is based in Odense Concert Hall, which is located near H.C. Andersen’s birthplace and was inaugurated in 1982. The majority of the orchestra’s concerts take place in Carl Nielsen Salen, a concert hall with excellent acoustics, seating 1,200 people and equipped with a 46-stop organ built by one of the world’s leading organ builders, Marcussen & Søn.

The orchestra has a wide artistic range and covers the great symphonic repertoire spanning from the Baroque era to contemporary music, often written specifically for the orchestra; film music concerts; various forms of chamber music concerts, family, school, kindergarten and children’s concerts, concert talks with guest speakers and outdoor concerts. In 2018, the orchestra performed an entire cycle of Richard Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen, which was also live streamed under the baton of former chief conductor Alexander Vedernikov. At its founding, Odense Symphony Orchestra had 22 musicians, but since then, it has grown to 66 tenured musicians from all over the world. The orchestra performs approximately 100 concerts a year, most often on their ‘home turf’. The orchestra’s touring activities include major concert tours to the USA, China, Germany, Greece, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Spain and in the former Soviet Union.

The discography is extensive: more than 100 releases have been issued, including several award-winning recordings. And plans are always in the pipeline for future release.

Booklet for Ravel Abroad