Maurice Ravel - Bolero
Probably the most famous orchestral work of the 20th century is, in fact, an excellent instrumentation study in the tradition of Hector Berlioz and Richard Strauss, which were written in the literary form.
However, with the help of the recurring Bolero theme, Ravel gives the melody to all orchestral instruments. He starts in a most delicate pianissimo until the crowning conclusion in triple fortissimo at the end of the piece. He thus presents the musical instruments and their characters in an effective, artistic form. "The work of a madman!" exclaimed a concertgoer at the premiere in 1928. Ravel has agreed with her: "The only one who understood me." Whether poetry or truth: it is almost impossible to escape the stimulating effect of this music.
Listen here to the slowest recording of them all - but which offers the most delicate details of the fabulous instrumentation by Ravel and the sheer overwhelming power of the work.
Recorded during a live performance at the Philharmonic Hall (Kölner Philharmonie) in Cologne, Germany.