Pavane for a Dead Princess (1910)

Maurice Ravel, (1875 – 1937)

Ravel insisted that the title Pavane pour une infante défunte was chosen because he liked the sound of it! “It is not a funeral lament for a dead child, but rather an evocation of the pavane which could have been danced by such a little princess as painted by Velázquez”, he said. Originally written for piano while he was studying with Fauré, Ravel’s later orchestral version exhibits all the distinctive impressionist hallmarks he is famous for. Exquisite orchestration, distinctive melodies and evocation of his Basque heritage all made this work a favourite from the start.

Performed: Aug 2013