Program Notes: Ravel's Bolero
Description
Ravel’s Bolero begins quietly and ends demonically. The repetition – a maddening rat-a-tat-tat of the snare drum – may sound simple, but the gradual crescendo builds into a frenzy of intensity and brilliant color. Ravel himself underestimated the appeal of the piece, calling it “orchestration without music.” Instead of sliding into oblivion, Bolero enjoys unflagging popularity still today. Also on the program: De Falla’s Nights in the Gardens of Spain is full of mystery, perfumed by the Alhambra. Chabrier’s flamboyant España builds to a fiery climax. Villa-Lobos’ exotic Choros No. 10 reflects the atmosphere of a rainforest. Rounding out the concert is Borodin’s rousing Polovtsian Dances.
Masterworks 1 of the 24/25 Season
Performances Oct 5 & 6, 2024
United States
