Piano Concerto (Ravel)

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Maurice Ravel's Piano Concerto in G major was composed in the period of 1929–1931. The piece comprises three movements: Allegramente, Adagio assai, and Presto. After his well-received piano tour of America, Ravel wanted to debut this new work himself. However, health issues precluded this possibility with his preparatory practice of Liszt and Chopin etudes leading to fatigue. Instead, Marguerite Long — who was known for her performances of Fauré and Debussy, and had asked Ravel for a new work — debuted the concerto. Ravel dedicated the concerto's score to her. The world premiere was on January 14, 1932 with Ravel conducting the Lamoureux Orchestra. The first North American performances were given simultaneously on the evening of April 22, 1932, by both the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Philadelphia Orchestra at their home concert halls.

Orchestration

Ravel used techniques pertaining to specific instruments. An example of this is his use of harmonics for the harp in the first movement. Other techniques used include divisi, con sordini, and glissandos on the harp and trombone

Instrumentation

The orchestra for this concerto is made up of the following instruments: Piccolo, Flute, Oboe, Cor Anglais, Clarinet in E flat, Clarinet in B flat, 2 Bassoons, 2 French Horns in F, Trumpet in C, Trombone, 2 Timpani, Triangle (instrument), Drum, Cymbal, Bass Drum, Tam-tam, Wood block, Whip (instrument), Harp, Piano, 8 1st Violins, 8 2nd Violins, 6 Violas, 6 Cellos, 4 Double Bass

Form

This piece is in three part form, the first and last movements being fast and the middle movement being slow. This is quite a strong, classical form which is one reason why this piece can be termed neo-classical. The first movement is in sonata form, which is also a classical form. However, the traditional key structure of the form has been modified in this case. The second movement is in three part form, loosely tertiary. The first section, A returns highly modified after the middle B section. The final movement follows the same form as the first - a sonata with a modified key structure.

External links

• Classical Cat, Concerto in G - Various Recordings
• Program notes from the the New York Philharmonic (PDF)

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