Le Tombeau de Couperin

Prélude, Rigaudon

Eb Clarinet | 3 Bb Clarinets | Eb Alto Clarinet | Bb Bass Clarinet

Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) is often regarded as an Impressionist composer. In Le Tombeau de Couperin, he began the piece in 1914 as a suite in the style of 18th century classicism. However, writing was interrupted by World War I and Ravel's deployment. In 1917, it was completed as a suite for a piano consisting of 6 songs. Each song is dedicated to friends who fell in the battle in the frontline. Ravel did not like to expose his feelings so each song is a classical requiem in a sacred and elegant way. Later, two of the six songs were omitted, and four were arranged by Ravel himself into an orchestra suite.

"Prelude" is reminiscent of the style of Rameau and Scarlatti, with ornamentation like the harpsichord expression in classical preludes. Coming from Provence, France in the 17th century, this is a duple-feel dance. Contrasting the vibrant C Major opening of "Rigaudon" is an idyllic and gentle interlude in C minor. These two movements comprise this sextet for Clarinet.

Commissioned by Tokyo Rissho High School for ensemble contest. 2007.

(Takeo Kimura)

ENMS-84165