(Sviatoslav Richter | 1965 | Live) Ravel: La vallée des cloches (from Miroirs)

This is a recording which will never cease to amaze me. Sviatoslav Richter in Ravel's La vallée des cloches. The Valley of Bells. Take a moment to reflect over that title.
Inside we're met by a range of bells tolling of different shapes and sizes, initially almost as if to blind the senses from orienting. We're only made aware of the bells - as well as the foreboding sensation when one at a discord with the others appears. After some time they fade, and a tranquil musical landscape opens up of otherworldly peace and serenity. What so strikes me with Richter is partly how real this place feels when he plays, with the bells not only having their own timbre (dare I say personality?), but appear to hear and respond to one another. Even more so however how he soon introduces a human perspective inside the scene, through whose eyes we can see. I try to think of a different word than song... because it's not song, but the human resonance to this surreal dreamworld from around 02.14. There's a oneness and harmony with the landscape which seems to convey the sight, and it's expressed with such innigkeit and emotion that if you didn't apprehend the fairness of Ravel's valley when it stood naked earlier you will be outright told of it here. First in spoken words of contemplation (02.14), then in sung lyrical reflection (02.50). Music more meditative and introspective than what's contained on these few pages, has never been written. When listening to other recordings this passage often feels cold and sterile, but I think what gives it such humanity in Richter's hands is partly that he creates space and bearing by separating the vocal part from the rest of the music, and play it with this calm and warm tone - not a song, but like a quiet song to ourselves. But also the emotional continuity he gives it. As with reading a person's face or body language gives you some forehand cues of where a conversation is going, you seem to be able to tell in advance how the lines will continue and play out. They are in other words driven by emotion, and thereby not a part of the valley. This all while the bells keep tolling in the periphery of our perception, before they again stand alone, and we begin to leave the apparition.
It's one of those lucky marriages between a visionary composer and a first class not actor, but director at the piano. One who for a moment transports you to an imaginary place, a mental world of thought and dreams - which by 1905 you could have described in poetry, or painted a snapshot of in the visual arts, but which the powerful language of music for a brief period of time allows you to visit.
Ravel: Miroirs (1905)
00:00 - 5. La vallée des cloches
Sviatoslav Richter, piano
Source: Radio Broadcast
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[@globalc3849]

Perfect in every way. Deep and meaningful. No words for Richter playing this set. Sublime.

[@luisdiazlopez3712]

C'est une interpretation mervilleise, une de les plus hautes.

[@user-yg5kg7im4n]

Thanks for music and for your comment. Huge impression. Richter is great in this music.

[@JaredRedmondPianist]

as a big Richter fan, this particular Miroirs is definitely the heights of his playing. I'm just swept away by the whole set.. Great taste as usual ;)