Maurice Ravel

Bolero

Ravel's Boléro (1928), based on a rhythmic ostinato and the repetition of a theme until the climax, is one of the orchestral masterpieces of the 20th century. This version for youth and small ensembles simplifies the score, yet retains its power and fascination and gives young musicians access to a universal work.

Maurice Ravel's Boléro, composed in 1928, is one of the most famous and fascinating works of the 20th century orchestral repertoire. Its construction on an uninterrupted rhythmic ostinato and the progressive repetition of a single theme that builds in intensity to an overwhelming climax makes it a unique work of evocative power and impact.This version was created for youth bands and smaller ensembles with the aim of making accessible a masterpiece that would otherwise be difficult to perform. The arrangement retains the rhythmic energy and tonal character of the original, but simplifies the writing to suit musicians of basic or intermediate technical ability, thus offering young musicians and village or town bands the opportunity to explore a fundamental aspect of the musical literature and experience the magic of a work which, in its apparent simplicity, continues to delight performers and listeners of all ages to this day.