“Ravel's Le Tombeau de Couperin was written in memory of friends who had perished in the First World War. Originally a piano work, the orchestral version is a wonder of incandescence. Happily, those qualities were brought to the fore in Gabel’s magical interpretation. He was abetted by the crystalline tones of the OSM as well as the acoustical marvel that is Maison symphonique.
Gabel’s Prélude and Les Enchantments sur la mer gave us the delicate colors of impressionism while showcasing spellbinding solo passages from the English horn and other woodwinds. These were contrasted with a goosebump-inducing Danse des perles, not to mention the final two numbers (Danse des éclairs and Danse de l’effroi) with their striking bitonality and jagged rhythms.
These two Salome compositions are ones that Gabel programs often – and often together. His interpretations dig much deeper than just the surface gloss, and under his leadership the Montreal players responded with excitement and ardor, delivering thrilling performances that will stay long in the memory.”
-Philip Nones, for Bachtrak