Progetto Martha Argerich

italiano

Works

Maurice Ravel

Rhapsodie espagnole for two pianos

 

Maurice Ravel wrote the Rhapsodie espagnole for two pianos during the summer of 1907, in an unusually short period, given his working habits. The composition consists of four brief pieces, of which the third, Habanera, actually dates from twelve years earlier. Shortly after having completed the two-piano version, the composer himself made an orchestral transcription of the work; it was given its premiere by Edouard Colonne and his orchestra on 5 March 1908 at Paris’s Théâtre Châtelet. The composition’s four parts were inspired by different aspects of the Iberian world: the opening Prélude à la nuit is characterised by a melody of an unequivocally folk-like flavour, whereas the Malagueña evokes the sound of castanets. Feria is a grand, concluding fiesta, a devilishly rhythmic whirlwind.

1. Prélude à la nuit
2. Malaguena
3. Habanera
4. Feria

Performers

Performance