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Bolero by Maurice Ravel

A rhythm that enchants the world

It has only one rhythm, only two melodies, and they only last 16 bars each. And yet this piece by impressionist composer Maurice Ravel is one of the most frequently performed orchestral works in the world. First performed at the Paris Opera in 1928, Bolero caused a sensation at the time as an allegory of the act of love danced lasciviously by the ballerina Ida Rubinstein. When at the premiere, an audience member shouted in the composer’s direction: “He’s crazy”, Maurice Ravel replied succinctly: “She’s got it.”

The Bolero lives only from the orchestra’s crescendo

The three-four time signature of the snare drum is maintained until the coda at the end, as is the key of C major. Ravel once said almost resignedly: “I have created a masterpiece, unfortunately without music.” At Tollwood, a version of this magnificent piece tailored to the grounds will be performed by an orchestra whose instrumentation is adapted to the open-air setting, but this does not detract from the power of the boleros. One thing is certain: it’s going to be great musical fun!

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