RAVEL: “BOLERO”; “DAPHNIS AND CHLOE,” SUITE NO....

RAVEL: “BOLERO”; “DAPHNIS AND CHLOE,” SUITE NO. 2; “PAVANE POUR UNE INFANTE DEFUNTE.” London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Andre Previn. Angel CDC 7 47162 2 (compact disc). These three showpieces, now transferred to CD though recorded originally in 1980, highlight Previn the formalist rather than Previn the voluptuary. “Bolero” emerges very close to Ravel’s own timing, a reading of inexorable tread. Previn aptly judges the refulgent “Daphnis” climaxes, but evades the perfumed sensuality of the Pavane. The LSO balances and the sound give no cause for complaint, but 41 minutes worth of music is poor value for a CD.