Daphnis et Chloé by Shokhakimov: a thrilling take on Ravel’s masterpiece

Aziz Shokhakimov is a young Uzbek conductor who has excelled in the operatic repertoire. His recent recording of Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg is eloquent of this trait, since he has been able to deliver a lively performance of an epic work that has not had enjoyed a fair interpretation as of recent. 

Daphnis et Chloé acts as a rarity amongst Ravel’s body of work. It is performed by a chorus, but it is not exactly a choral piece nor an opera. And it is rather ambitious, which is an adjective that does not seem to belong to the Frenchman’s vocabulary. Curiously, this work has been hailed as Ravel’s masterpiece, which adds more charm and aura to the piece.

The problem with this work is that it typically does not get a proper reading. Some conductors indulge in the epicness of the piece, and end up by offering extreme takes that do not pay justice to Ravel’s writing.

And this is exactly where Shokhakimov gets things right. His approach is youthful and stimulating. It is respectful yet daring. And the final result is certainly exquisite.