Debussy: La mer, Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune – Ravel: Rapsodie espagnole (Live)

We know François-Xavier Roth’s winning way with this repertoire from his recordings accompanied by his own period ensemble, Les Siècles. Here, with London’s most French-sounding orchestra, he gives some equally beautiful performances. The “Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune” is ravishing and exquisitely graded, while La mer has muscle and fibre. In Roth’s hands, it is Debussy’s great symphony in all but name: powerful, far-reaching and cogently argued. Its canvas is laid out superbly by these terrific players who respond to their Principal Guest Conductor wholeheartedly. Ravel’s Rapsodie espagnole, painted in very different colours, is equally striking, a glorious explosion of sound.