Ravel, 'Introduction and Allegro' played by Peter Noke and Julian Hellaby

Ravel wrote his 'Introduction and Allegro' for harp and small chamber ensemble in 1905, transcribing it for two pianos the following year. The orginal version was written to a commission from the instrument-building firm Erard and it would appear that the music was written in great haste to meet Erard's deadline. Ravel wrote of his "week of frantic work and sleepless nights", yet the composition is just as meticulously crafted as any other by Ravel.

This performance was recorded in Parsons Music Theatre, Hong Kong in late March 2010. It would appear that, between 0'.58" and 1'.14", one of the stage hands simply couldn't refrain from adjusting the air conditioning!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Ravel
• Introduction and Allegro
• Peter Noke
• Julian Hellaby
• paulprocopolis

[pianopera]

It's very nice to hear this two-piano version for the first time - and you play it very well...but I must say that I prefer the version for harp, flute, clarinet and string quartet by far...

I've read somewhere that there is a recording of Ravel himself playing this?

[paulprocopolis]

@pianopera

I agree that a fair bit of colour and texture is lost in the transfer to two pianos, but at least pianists have the chance to play this truly wonderful music! Apparently Ravel was involved in a 1923 recording of this piece but I'm not sure in what capacity

[morinoroba]

It's very fascinating piece...! I enjoyed it very much,thank you.

But I think that background man could have walked with more restraint and quietly... :-(

[paulprocopolis]

@morinoroba

Yes, indeed!

[JanetteHeffernan]

Love it. Good to see you for once!

[MagicDonDino]

very interesting trascription Juliann!!

it's not easy to transport the melodie of harp, flute, clarinet and string quartet on only two piano, but is nice to hear this, thanks!

[berlinzerberus]

..my friend you have deserved a much better 'tuned in piano' particularly the intonation seems to be too harsh for ravel.

amazingly played,julian!

[priscillayuen]

I agree with 〝morinoroba〞.

[priscillayuen]

I agree with 〝morinoroba〞.

[priscillayuen]

I agree with 〝morinoroba〞.