Bolero for Strings

Bolero is probably the best-known work of the French Impressionist composer Maurice Ravel (1875–1937). The piece was commissioned by Ida Rubenstein in 1928 and performed at the Paris Opera that same year. Bolero has a hypnotic rhythm and a simple melody that repeat over and over for nearly 15 minutes, with the orchestra gradually increasing in volume and intensity. Ravel’s genius is evident in his orchestration where he assigns a different sound color to each iteration. Cameron Law’s version of Ravel’s Bolero reduces the duration of the piece by two thirds while still maintaining the long buildup of volume, intensity, and heavy orchestration. The arranger has masterfully scored a large symphonic work for string orchestra while maintaining the integrity of the original Spanish/Cuban dance. Violins, violas, and celli all get to try their hands at this famous melody. (5:00)