Introduction and Allegro   

Maurice Ravel

In 1905 Ravel was already a respected composer following the publications of Jeux d'Eau (1901), Sonatine (1903-1905) and Miroirs (1904 - 1905).  Therefore his entry and subsequent failure in the Prix de Rome competition created a scandal which caused the director, Dubois, to lose his position.

Ravel, wishing to escape from Paris, joined his friends for a yachting holiday in  Holland and wrote Introduction and Allegro.  He originally scored it for harp accompanied by a string quartet, flute and clarinet, but soon transcribed it brilliantly for two pianos.

It opens with a haunting theme, decorated by shimmering interjections from the harp (played here by piano 1).  A second theme is heard which leads us to the Alegro, where the harp introduces the main theme of the work decorated by cascading semi-quavers.

Throughout, the harp can be clearly heard, sometimes introducing the themes and at other times enhancing them, as the movement moves towards its joyous conclusion. 

In his Introduction and Allegro, Ravel has used his mastery of harmonic tone colours to create a sound world of exquisite beauty.

© Claire and Antoinette Cann 1996