Her is my "Secret Tip". Try Andre Cluytens on mid price HMV. He made a complete survey of the Ravel orchestral works which always strike me as very idiomatic. Just the right mix between exactness and coloury blending. Also, it shows how Ravel incorporated some (admitted "salon-fahig" only) jazz influences. At least to me, the opening of Cluytens reading of the "Pavane" played by the Orchestre de la Societe des Concerts du Conservatoire sounds quite like Tommy Dorsey getting sentimental. One has to like it, but I do. Especially their Ma mere l'oye is fantastic in colour. Come to think of it, I've also always held a soft spot for Haitink's readings with the Concertgebouworkest on Philips; or could I be just a Dutch chauvinist? Looking at the concertos, I don't totally agree with Dave, but I can understand how he comes to the conclusion. I think Boulez is the one to blame, judging by Zimerman's earlier splendid Ravel recordings. Only Boulez seems for me to veto those things that some call personal and others idiosyncratic. Not for me thanks. You might want to try the old Argerich account for sheer brilliance. One more of my favourites: Lenfant et les sortilleges. Try Maazel for fun and idiomatic reading and try the recent Previn/LSO if you want a mint recorded summing-up of what Ravel could do with an orchestra. Have fun with Ravel. Jos