Building a Library: Jeremy Sams recommends his favourite recording of Ravel's Daphnis and Chloe (complete ballet). Maurice Ravel described his ballet, Daphnis and Chloe as a choreographic symphony. The story concerns the love between the goatherd Daphnis and the shepherdess Chloé. Ravel began work in 1909 after a commission from Sergei Diaghilev and it was premiered in Paris by his Ballets Russes in 1912. The orchestra was conducted by Pierre Monteux, the choreography was by Michel Fokine, and Vaslav Nijinsky and Tamara Karsavina danced the parts of Daphnis and Chloé. With rich harmonies and lush orchestrations it is one of Ravel's most popular works.

Ravel's Daphnis and Chloe

Building a Library: a guide to the best recordings of the greatest classical music. Each week an expert and enthusiast brings along a  wide range of recordings of a well-known piece. They explore the music and the different ways of performing it, ending with a recommendation for your library

Music

Kate Molleson chooses her favourite recording of Stravinsky's The Firebird

Stravinsky's The Firebird

Jeremy Sams chooses his favourite recording of Ravel's Piano Concerto for the Left Hand.

Ravel's Piano Concerto for the Left Hand

Iain Burnside chooses his favourite recording of Mahler's Kindertotenlieder.

Mahler's Kindertotenlieder

Nigel Simeone chooses his favourite version of Brahms' 3rd Symphony.

Ravel's Daphnis and Chloe

Download our free app to listen on your phone