Jacques Loussier Trio – Ravel’s Bolero Audiophile CD
45,00 €
Jacques Loussier Trio – Ravel’s Bolero is an audiophile compact disc for jazz and classical music listeners. Ravel’s Bolero is performed on Steinway piano, double bass and percussion. The album also includes Jacques Loussier’s seven-part work Nympheas. The release description specifies Ultra HD 32-bit mastering, while the disc itself plays on a standard CD player.
Jacques Loussier Trio – Ravel’s Bolero is an audiophile compact disc for listeners who enjoy jazz and classical music. The album presents Maurice Ravel’s Bolero as interpreted by a jazz trio. The programme is completed by Jacques Loussier’s seven-part composition Nympheas.
The recording features a Steinway piano, double bass and percussion. This compact line-up brings the dialogue between the three instruments into focus. Rather than using an orchestra, the musicians present the recognisable theme of Bolero in jazz-trio form.
Musical programme
The first principal work is Maurice Ravel’s Bolero. Its familiar musical motif remains central, but the piano, double bass and percussion take responsibility for developing it. This distinction matters for anyone looking for a jazz interpretation rather than a conventional orchestral performance.
The second part of the programme is Jacques Loussier’s composition Nympheas. It consists of seven sections named with contrasting tempo markings. The structure allows the composition to be heard as a continuous suite, while also making it possible to select and listen to individual sections.
Instrumental line-up
The piano has both melodic and harmonic roles throughout the album. The double bass establishes the low-frequency foundation, while the percussion supports the rhythmic development of the music. This line-up is particularly suited to listeners who appreciate recordings by small ensembles and the clearly defined interaction between a limited number of instruments.
The album is not described as containing an orchestral version of Bolero. It should therefore be chosen specifically for Jacques Loussier’s approach to classical material. This is neither a collection of Ravel’s complete works nor an album of traditional classical performances.
Ultra HD 32-bit mastering
The release description specifies Ultra HD 32-bit mastering, stated by the seller to have been created by FIM and Five/Four Productions. According to the description, a 32-bit word length is used during mastering. This refers to the process used to prepare the recording; it does not mean that the compact disc provides 32-bit playback output.
The description also states that the sampling rate is selected to suit the original recording material. A rate of 192 kHz is used when appropriate. A lower sampling rate may be chosen for other material when it is considered better suited to the particular source.
This information is relevant when choosing the release on the basis of the preparation method described by the seller. There is no special 32-bit mode to activate on a CD player. According to the seller, the disc is intended for playback on a standard compact disc player.
PureFlection manufacturing process
In the release description, PureFlection is presented as a process used to prepare the glass master before compact disc production. It states that the master is prepared by a specialist rather than through a standard factory pressing line. A specially modified Blu-ray glass-master cutting machine is used for this stage.
According to the seller, the quality of the completed glass master is checked before the compact discs are manufactured. A report documenting this inspection is said to be included in the booklet. This provides the buyer with information about the production control claimed in the release description.
Using the disc in an audio system
The release description states that the disc can be played on a standard CD player. It does not require a dedicated 32-bit decoder or any additional system settings.
Technical specifications
| Artist | Jacques Loussier Trio |
|---|---|
| Album | Ravel’s Bolero |
| Release type | Audiophile compact disc |
| Main works | Maurice Ravel’s Bolero and Jacques Loussier’s Nympheas |
| Performance format | Jazz trio |
| Instruments | Steinway piano, double bass and percussion |
| Mastering | Ultra HD 32-bit mastering is specified in the release description |
| Mastering producers | FIM and Five/Four Productions are named in the release description |
| Mastering word length | 32-bit word length is specified in the release description |
| Sampling rate | The release description states that it is adapted to the source; 192 kHz is used when appropriate |
| Manufacturing process | PureFlection glass-master preparation and inspection are specified in the release description |
| Mastering equipment | A specially modified Blu-ray glass-master cutting machine is specified in the release description |
| Inspection document | According to the seller, a glass-master inspection report is included in the booklet |
| Playback | CD player |
Track listing
| Main work | Ravel’s Bolero |
|---|---|
| Nympheas I | Allegro |
| Nympheas II | Andante |
| Nympheas III | Vivace |
| Nympheas IV | Largo |
| Nympheas V | Presto |
| Nympheas VI | Cantabile |
| Nympheas VII | Prestissimo |
FAQ
Who is this album for?
It is intended for listeners who enjoy jazz-trio recordings and classical music presented through a fresh interpretation. The programme combines Ravel’s theme with an original composition by Loussier.
Can the disc be played on a standard CD player?
Yes. The release description states that the disc is intended for CD players. The Ultra HD 32-bit designation describes the mastering process specified by the seller, so no additional decoder is required.
Does the album contain a traditional orchestral version of Bolero?
No. The work is performed by a jazz trio. You will hear piano, double bass and percussion rather than a conventional orchestral line-up.
What is Nympheas?
Nympheas is a seven-part composition by Jacques Loussier. Its individual sections carry different tempo markings ranging from Largo to Prestissimo.
Does 32-bit mastering require special system settings?
No. The 32-bit word length specified in the release description applies to the mastering stage. No special system settings are needed to play the disc.
How do I use the disc in a stereo system?
Insert it into a CD player connected to your stereo amplifier. Use either an analogue or digital connection supported by the player.
Can I listen to the album through a home cinema system?
Yes, provided that the system uses a CD player connected to an AV receiver. The disc does not require a special home cinema configuration.
Why is the PureFlection process significant?
The release description associates it with preparing and inspecting the glass master before disc production. According to the seller, the release booklet includes the inspection report.
