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Classics with NOW: Ravel, 'Bolero'

Ravel’s ‘Bolero’ a type of slow-tempo dance originally from Spain, is his most famous work. Commissioned by the Russian ballerina, Ida Rubinstein, it was first performed in November 1928.

‘Bolero’ is well-known for the insistence of its theme, which is repeated continually throughout the piece with different orchestrations. It starts off very quietly and builds up to an extremely loud, triumphant end. Underpinning the work is a persistent snare drum part repeating the same rhythmic phrase.

This performance took place in February 2019 at St David’s Hall, with conductor Jun Markl.

Release date:

Duration:

13 minutes