Ravel: Rapsodie Espagnole, M. 54

Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) completed his first published work for orchestra, RAPSODIE ESPAGNOLE, between 1907 and 1908, dedicating the work to the Belgian violinist Charles de Bériot. The Orchestre des Concerts Colonne gave the first performance on March 3, 1908 at Châtelet Théatre in Paris, Édouard Colonne conducting. It seemed to evoke an authentic Spanish flavor, drawing the enthusiastic praise of composer Manuel de Falla. The piece, performed without break, begins with a nocturnal prelude (Prélude à la nuit). The three following sections, the Malagueña, Habanera, and Feria, depict a gaudy selection of folk dances and festivals. Before orchestrating the work, Ravel completed this version for piano four hands. Reprint edition.