We have a collection of 9 arrangements for Maurice Ravel — Bolero
Why is Ravel's Boléro considered both a masterpiece and an obsessive experiment? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Maurice Ravel: Master of Orchestration and Impressionism
Maurice Ravel's "Boléro" is one of the most famous and frequently performed pieces of classical music, and there are several interesting facts about both the composition and its composer:
Inspired by Spain: Ravel composed "Boléro" in 1928 as a ballet score for the Russian dancer Ida Rubinstein. It was inspired by the Spanish bolero, a traditional dance known for its passionate and repetitive nature. Ravel never visited Spain, but he was influenced by the Spanish music he encountered.
Simplicity and Repetition: "Boléro" is known for its simplicity and the relentless repetition of a single melody. The piece is built around a single, snare-drum rhythm and a repeating, hypnotic melody that gradually builds in intensity throughout its 15-minute duration.
Orchestration: Ravel was a master orchestrator, and "Boléro" is a testament to his skill. The piece features a large orchestra with a wide range of instruments, each contributing to the gradual crescendo. Ravel's orchestrations are often praised for their color and texture.
Commissioned for a Ballet: Ravel was commissioned by Ida Rubinstein to compose "Boléro" as a ballet, with choreography by Bronislava Nijinska. The dance was somewhat scandalous for the time, as it featured a single female dancer in a red dress dancing atop a table.
Controversy and Success: "Boléro" premiered in 1928 and quickly became a sensation. It drew mixed reactions from audiences and critics. Some found it monotonous, while others were entranced by its relentless repetition and sensuality. Regardless, it has remained one of Ravel's most famous and frequently performed works.
Ravel's Favorite Composition: Interestingly, Ravel himself considered "Boléro" to be one of his least significant works. He once remarked, "I have only one major work, the 'Boléro.' Unfortunately, there are no music publishers left." Despite his opinion, "Boléro" has become one of his most enduring and popular compositions.
Ravel's Declining Health: Ravel composed "Boléro" during a period of declining health. He suffered from Alzheimer's disease in his later years, and "Boléro" is often considered one of his last significant compositions. Some have suggested that the repetitive nature of the piece may reflect his cognitive decline.
Cinematic Influence: "Boléro" has been used in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials due to its recognizable and evocative melody. It has been featured in movies such as "10" (1979), "Whiplash" (2014), and "The Game" (1997), among others.
Public Domain: "Boléro" is now in the public domain in most countries due to the passage of time since its composition. This means that it can be freely performed and recorded without the need for copyright permissions.
"Boléro" remains a fascinating and iconic work in the classical music repertoire, with its simple yet mesmerizing melody and unique place in the history of 20th-century music.