February 17, 201313 yr To Me, this piece is the epitome of color; Impressionism at its best (although Ravel hated the term). Although Ravel called this piece a choreographic symphony, this is ballet. The "Part II Suite" is the most played "Egregiously named, it's the ballet starting at reh. 255). I recommend every composer buying and studying this piece!
February 17, 201313 yr Definitely! Is and has always been my favourite orchestral work. A lot of works compete for that title though.
February 18, 201313 yr Wow, thanks a lot! I had always dismissed Ravel due to Bolero...I don't find it that impressive, but I should've looked into him a bit more, due to his orchestration skills...and knowing he only wrote it as an exercise. Heh, but, this is much more interesting.
February 19, 201313 yr Author Yes, check it out. It's fabulous. Great recording of Zubin Mehta on youtube!
March 18, 201313 yr Yeah, definitely! This is one of my favorite pieces by one of my favorite composers. The texture in the orchestration is amazing. It really creates a very wondrous atmosphere. There is so much color. I think this piece is the height of the idea that the impressionist composers where aiming for. It is still romantic. It was still very melodically driving. However, it is just suggestive enough; just muddy enough to really create that atmosphere and capture the light and darkness of an event. Plus, the harmonies are beautifully lush. Two of my all time favorite pieces written for piano are Jeux D'eau and Le Tombeau de Couperin (especially the toccata). I really like Martha Argerich's performance of the Jeux D'eau. I am also really fond of Pavane Pour une Infante Defunte, Sheherazade, the Left Handed Piano Concerto, and the Rapsodie Espagnole.
April 18, 201312 yr Yeah, definitely! This is one of my favorite pieces by one of my favorite composers. The texture in the orchestration is amazing. It really creates a very wondrous atmosphere. There is so much color. I think this piece is the height of the idea that the impressionist composers where aiming for. It is still romantic. It was still very melodically driving. However, it is just suggestive enough; just muddy enough to really create that atmosphere and capture the light and darkness of an event. Plus, the harmonies are beautifully lush. Two of my all time favorite pieces written for piano are Jeux D'eau and Le Tombeau de Couperin (especially the toccata). I really like Martha Argerich's performance of the Jeux D'eau. I am also really fond of Pavane Pour une Infante Defunte, Sheherazade, the Left Handed Piano Concerto, and the Rapsodie Espagnole. lol, when I read this post I almost thought it was by me and I had forgotten about it!!! Daphnis and Chloe is THE BEST....in terms of sheer beauty and opulence, I can't think of anything else that comes close..........the richness and power of the harmonies, the orchestration that seems to mimic a forest coming to life before your very eyes (or ears?).....it is unmatched. I do love Mother Goose though, that is also some of Ravel's most powerful music (particularly what he added for the ballet)...honestly, Daphnis and Chloe would be what I would strive for as a composer, if I were a hard-core composer.
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