The most interesting thing on this disc is Yan Pascal Tortelier’s surprisingly successful orchestral transcription of Ravel’s Piano Trio, a colorful piece of work that brings out the epic qualities of the finale’s closing pages in satisfying fashion. The reason for Linda Finnie’s popularity with Chandos eludes me: her basic vocal timbre severely lacks allure, her upper register thins out alarmingly, and by her second entrance in “Asie” she’s already in audible distress. This isn’t a Shéhérazade to compare to classic renditions by Crespin, Baker, or Ameling, to name only a few. The other pieces sound fine, and if you haven’t heard the Trio arrangement in its previous, full-price incarnation, you might want to consider this cheaper reissue. First rate sound.
