How Ravel Writes for Orchestra

Maurice Ravel is one of the masters of orchestration, and in this video I look at his 'Alborada del Gracioso' which started life as a piano piece, but was then orchestrated by Ravel 15 years later. It gives us a great chance to look at how he goes about turning a 'black and white' idea into a full technicolor one.
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Performances:
Ravel: Miroirs (La alborada del gracioso) - Robert Trevino - Euskadiko Orkestra
• Ravel: Miroirs (La alb...
Ravel: Alborada del gracioso ∙ hr-Sinfonieorchester ∙ Pablo Heras-Casado
• Ravel: Alborada del gr...
M. Ravel: Alborada del Gracioso - Slobodeniouk - Sinfónica de Galicia
• M. Ravel: Alborada del...
Cours de piano - Alborada del Gracioso de Ravel - Jacques Rouvier
• Cours de piano - Albor...
Vitaly Pisarenko plays Ravel - Alborada del gracioso
• Vitaly Pisarenko plays...
#ravel #orchestration

[@nicolasbautista3599]

I could watch 8 hours straight of these explanations

[@andrewfortmusic]

Me, too!

[@derkvandehulst6798]

YES, more please! It is enlightening

[@Roeming]

I got to the end, and was left wanting more!

[@seanbeadles7421]

Orchestration online has hours-long series analyzing Ravel along with other masters of orchestration like Debussy, Boulanger, and Holst.

[@letsnotgothere6242]

@@seanbeadles7421 Thank you!

[@Bati_]

@@seanbeadles7421 Thanks a lot!

[@MilsteinRulez]

Me too. Something you find late in the evening and stay up for.

[@SLDDPiano]

YES! I wish David made a video on Ravel's Daphnis et Chloe... it's an incredibly underrated and neglected masterpiece of orchestration. Also, I personally think no one comes close to Ravel when it comes to "painting" with an orchestra. His harmonies are insane, absolute genius.

[@sirya-bookie9495]

“Some notes are more important than others.” Second Viennese School: *Hi*

[@mogmason6920]

[Laughs in Sprechgesang]

[@Killerbee4712]

"All notes are equal, but some notes are more equal than others" - Shostastalin

[@quinnlewis2003]

Lol

[@maxalaintwo3578]

@@mogmason6920 *Sprechstimmes in German*

[@Elizabeth-ld3jn]

hi david! i'm a classical harpist, and i just finished playing alborada! just wanted to add that the "près de la table" (abbreviated p.d.l.t.) seen in the harp part is an "special" effect with consists in playing the notes on the lower part of the string, close to the soundboard (harp strings are meant to be played in the center for best quality sound). this p.d.l.t. is typically used to evoke a guitar timbre, so it gives it an even more spanish vibe. another thing that ravel did marvelously in this orchestration!

[@jamesmackay4529]

Very nice! :)

[@ourson66]

Ravel was, along with Debussy, the most amazing composer for the harp. I fell in love with the instrument and greedily studied his scores (and Debussy’s) ... learn from the best!

[@VasilBelezhkov]

Or in other words - what we guitarists know as 'sul ponticello'

[@Elizabeth-ld3jn]

@@VasilBelezhkov didn't know that... very interesting, thank u!

[@MrTyty527]

@@VasilBelezhkov and sometimes you can play the guitar near fret to achieve more harp-like sound afaik

[@victoriaa2281]

Just last week I walked from Ciboure, right past the house Ravel was born in, along the coastline to the border with Spain. An amazing place. And an amazing video - love the "what would I do" style.

[@DBruce]

I'm jealous!

[@cashwarior]

missed opportunity to title it "unRaveling orchestration"

[@FilmScoreandMore]

Next time maybe. And I hope there is a next time.

[@maxalaintwo3578]

*Tokyo Ghoul OP starts playing*

[@yonatanbeer3475]

I've always wanted to make a series on Ravel called "Ravel unraveled"

[@FilmScoreandMore]

@@yonatanbeer3475 Please do! It’s funny and interesting.

[@yonatanbeer3475]

​@@FilmScoreandMore I think the fascinating thing about Ravel is how great his works are, and also how few they are. Most of the greats left scores of works, Ravel only composed about 30-40. And yet? he remains one of the greatest composers of all time, and also one of the most influencial. When I get a better mic I'll do it, probably.

[@A.F.Whitepigeon]

9:04 - "Because even though there are a lot of strings, a loud brass and percussion hit can easily drown out an entire string section." As a brass player, I take great pride in this.

[@EccentricFanboy]

As a woodwind player, that's such a brass thing to say. Let me guess, trumpet?

[@A.F.Whitepigeon]

@@EccentricFanboy No, though I can see why you'd think that.

[@chrissop]

@@EccentricFanboy Trumpets will be overplayed by a trombone section..😆

[@guystalnaker5184]

As a trumpet/horn player this made me really LOL - thx

[@benmarino1913]

Im a Composition Major and have studied Orchestration. Ravel's orchestral version of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition is also a stunningly majestic work of art.

[@modestoney1577]

Thank you for mentioning that. His orchestration of Mussorgsky is one of my alltime favourites. Gives me chills everytime.

[@benmarino1913]

@@modestoney1577 Definitely. Mine too!

[@jeffreyjeziorski1480]

​@@modestoney1577.........I am with you there, as I have also studied composition and orchestration....I suggest you listen closely to Mozart with an ear to his orchestration, which I consider to be outstanding and transparent.

[@andrewzanas9387]

Gerswin went to France and begged Ravel to take him on as a student. Ravel sent him away saying basically go away, there's nothing left to teach him. I lol'd after hearing your extensive study of Rhapsody in Blue.

[@nekokate3904]

In the version I heard Ravel sent Gerswin away after hearing how much Gerswin was making in New York 😢

[@maestrorafaelribeiro]

The story I know goes by like this: "Why become a second-rate Ravel when you are already a first-rate Gershwin?"

[@giordanopagotto7940]

there's another version of this story, in witch Ravel asked Schoenberg to teach him, and Schoenberg, after seeing how much Gershwin was making in the US, asked him "wy would you want to study with me?!?"

[@GothicKin]

Mhhh curious how nobody ever saw Ravel and Gershwin in the same room ::thinking::

[@enelabe]

As a Basque guy all I have to say is thank you thank you thank you for raising awareness about Ravel's Basque origins! It's something that is very often passed over, as saying his mother was Spanish is much more comprehensible to all the people that don't know about the Basque Country; but he always took his Basque roots with pride. You even showcased an interpretation by the EOS (Euskadiko Orkestra Sinfonikoa), which is amazing! Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. Eskerrik asko!

[@martiglesias60]

Ravels mother was Spanish of the bask Region! Its not a country.

[@monge941]

Hi, Bruce! I’m a native spanish speaker and I think that in this context the word “gracioso” actually means “with grace”, “with charm” or “with elegance”. It’s because “gracioso” is an homograph word and also means “funny”. But It’s ok. The spanish is always tricky. I really enjoy your content. I’m a composition student and I have tons of good tips and knowledge because of your videos. I have a lot of respect and gratitude for you and your work. Saludos desde Centroamérica.

[@hase.von.b]

pensé lo mismo

[@AlexWhiteLanda]

wikipedia.org/wiki/Gracioso

[@athos604]

Just wanted to comment that too. Thanks for doing so, Eddy! :) I hope David gets the message though.

[@IgnacioCalvoMartinez]

You are wrong (I'm a native Spanish speaker as well). It is an old term employed in the 16th century, and that's the meaning Ravel was referring to. Nowadays you are right that "gracioso" has the meanings you mention.

[@athos604]

@@IgnacioCalvoMartinez Hey there! How do you know that? AFAIK, this piece is relatively modern, far away from the 16th century.... But from what I can gather you are right.In any case I think the basis of your answer could be best than... "You are wrong". This channel deserves to have civil conversations :)

[@I.amthatrealJuan]

Ravel was such a unique figure with his music that he occupies a niche on his own.

[@thexalon]

13:08 The "avec baguette" instruction for the cymbals does *not* mean Ravel is instructing the percussionist to hit the cymbal with a loaf of bread. He's telling them to hit it with a stick rather than crash it with another cymbal.

[@ob4161]

unRAVELing Ravel's orchestration!

[@davidlast4620]

Is David Bruce the BDG of classical music youtube now?

[@ob4161]

@S Great minds think alike

[@maxalain9948]

You had to say it

[@josephredingmusic]

9:50ish Violinist here! That high A on the violin has a really powerful “pop” when you really lay into it; get the whole section to really strum and it comes through just fine!

[@ListeningIn]

I’ve been waiting to watch this as I knew I’d love it. This was incredibly interesting (and a new piece of Ravel’s for me). Those pizz. string chords in an orchestral tutti, though!?

[@1685Violin]

I really wish you could analyze the orchestration of his _Pavane for the Death of the Prinecess_ . That piece fascinates me.

[@telaim]

So I do! But I was a bit disappointed to learn that Ravel didn't like it very much...may be because it was an early work , he was still studying composition with Fauré . Anyway I will never get tired of this music. By the way Thanks David and longue vie au roi Louis 14 ;-)

[@1685Violin]

@@telaim The correct French translation for "Long live King Louis XIV" is "Vive le roi Louis XIV". "Vive" is the third person singular imperative of "vivre".

[@telaim]

@@1685Violin You know...I'm french! Are you? you seems to know well french language ! The entire sentence is "Le roi est mort, vive le roi" but I was just wishing you a long life;-)

[@1685Violin]

@@telaim No, I know very little French. I know a lot of Spanish though but not fluent enough to speak in professional settings.

[@ivyssauro123]

@@telaim I actually prefer Fauré's, it's in fact one of my least favorite Ravel pieces and I feel it's overplayed haha

[@guscox9651]

this will be useful for A level music, thank you!

[@nigelhaywood9753]

I'm in love with the lady harpist!

[@kingkyleiv7960]

👀

[@johanjohansen7572]

Could you please make a video about Prokofiev's music?

[@Bourneo5]

A really brilliant video, thank you so much ! Speaking not as a composer or arranger, but as an orchestral and contemporary clarinettist I get so much out of your videos. It’s such a privilege to have a composer’s viewpoint on so many aspects of music and I always look forward to seeing new content from you. Keep up the amazing work !

[@JohannesWiberg]

That last part with the flageolet-like strings was astounding.

[@AntonioOrtizMusic]

I love that you mentioned the importance of adding more percussion instruments than you might initally think. I've been looking at some orchestral scores lately and that was one of my big takeaways. I often think that a simple bass drum and maybe timpani will suffice, often forgeting and neglecting that there are a large array of drums to add more flavor to the piece (don't sleep on a good snare drum). Great video, David!

[@emanuel_soundtrack]

Its just for the tutti at the end what he said. Makes no sense, you will not gong your whole piece always when a triangle sounds no? Orquestration needs lessons and integral reflection, not teasers

[@prototropo]

I had a Pulitzer Prize winner for my orchestration class instructor years ago, but David Bruce offers more wisdom of judgment and sheer technical nutrition in a half-hour than an entire semester under Professor Pedantic.

[@wiesorix]

Oh no, this video felt too short, I want more of this! It's very interesting since I normally don't really pay attention to orchestratration when listening. Well, at least what to do in the next days: listen a lot to both versions of the piece.

[@timothytikker3834]

In an interview in the course of a US Public Broadcasting System TV documentary. years ago, pianist Arthur Rubenstein recalled the time he asked Ravel "how did you become such a great orchestrator?" He said that Ravel answered "Saint-Saëns' Third Piano Concerto: the orchestration in that piece is fantastic!"

[@MaxBerkowitzMinemax]

Tried to learn Alborada on the piano a few months back and quit like 16 bars in. Absolutely outstanding

[@na-kun2136]

Actually for play many Ravel's pieces your fingers must be flat and very relaxed. For me playing his Jeux d'eau was nightmare. Its very beautiful but incredibly hard.

[@jamesmackay4529]

Wonderful work! Thank you David

[@ShooneyToons]

love these kinds of videos, i always learn a lot

[@jayducharme]

Beautiful analysis! Thank you.

[@SolarMumuns]

Great vid as always! Thank you

[@parsa.mostaghim]

Informative as always ❤🙏

[@Teddy-Cool]

Cheers for this Bruce

[@skrstic80]

This is such a great video! Thank you❤

[@joshforletta7648]

Yes a video I’ve been waiting for!! Thank you!

[@ramiolsen]

More of these, please! Fantastic work, Bruce!

[@skerpracso]

Very good analysis! Please do more of this!

[@nafner]

Great video! It would be awesome to see more of these! :) Thank you David!

[@trocomposition4216]

Loved this! Full of insight and really well put together 👍

[@MattMusicianX]

Fantastic as always, David!!!

[@eriksnijders4370]

Fascinating, as always!

[@RafaelLeonardoJunchaya]

Very good one, David. Thank you

[@Robangledorf]

brilliant lesson. Thank you so much for making these

[@willydeangelis699]

Fantastic video! Thanks for sharing the knowledge!!

[@srothbardt]

Fabulous lecture

[@jorgestramusic]

I really enjoyed this, thank you David!

[@musicavox]

Brilliant demonstration!! Thank you!!

[@nicolasargon1436]

Beautiful work, appreciated it very much thank you

[@JazzSaoPauloJSP]

Awesome work, as always. Congratulations, Dave.

[@victorgrauer5834]

What a great resource. Thanks so much.

[@xiaoyiyingmusic]

Amazing video! Very informative and interesting. I would love to see more video like this one!

[@vincentizghra6144]

Super interesting! This was fantastically helpful to see.

[@ernietollar407]

beautiful instructive analysis thank you!

[@fernandofariajunior]

What a fantastic video, congratulations on your work!

[@Shunarjuna]

Very eye opening. Would love to see more of these orchestration videos.

[@GEMINDIGO]

This video was very well put together.Very interesting and informative.

[@robinthomsoncomposer]

Very useful Thanks for this one

[@hesipege]

I very much enjoyed this. Thank you SO much for taking the time to work all this out.

[@FilipSandecomposer]

Thanks for this very educational and exciting video!

[@Rom14DH]

We need more of these. Brilliant orchestration and you explained it perfectly

[@thornlessgnu412]

Great video, it inspired me a lot for a project I'm working on right now!

[@sebastiandudek4016]

Thanks for your useful, valuable presentation 👍 👏

[@WesleyWestMusic]

Thank you so much for your videos! I honestly enjoy it so much, I learn so much

[@christopherfederici2776]

Both you and your videos are fantastic. Thank you so much for your work.

[@sallylee4924]

This is great! Would love more videos like this. I could watch hours of this.

[@nelsonfilho6587]

Finally a great orchestration content! Thanks a lot!

[@TheTroubadourRecords]

What a masterclass! Thank you, maestro!

[@leptyga]

MORE OF THIS!!! Supremely enjoyable good sir!

[@robinhaigh1249]

Another fascinating video, David!

[@nickvareymusic]

loved this!

[@rebeccatripp36]

This was an incredibly fun breakdown!

[@feracedomusica]

Really great video!!!

[@maxtofone]

Thanks a lot for this great video and initial analysis... Many Blessings, Max T.

[@zvexevz]

What a fantastic video, I love this content! This sort of thing could make a great series...

[@maxalain9948]

I could use a whole playlist of orchestration!

[@piktormusic2538]

Great topic handled so well. Thanks David for highlighting some beautiful colours and Ravel’s thinking.

[@Bati_]

This quickly has become one of my favorite videos in the entire universe now! Incredible as always! Such a tribute! Thanks so much for it! 🙏

[@victor29rc]

great video, thank you!

[@CamiloGaetePuga]

Excellent video! Interesting and fun in perfect balance! SUBSCRIBED INMEDIATELY!

[@paulwilson4594]

The editing In this video is top Notch! And content bangin’ as usual! Thank you

[@kellykoistinen1934]

omg thank you for uploading this ive always loved how Ravel choses hes orchestration and he is probably my favorite composer

[@SoleaGalilei]

Wonderful explanation and glimpse into the creative mind of one of the greats!

[@rebours]

That was awesome, can't wait for the "next time", thank you.

[@gregoryk7114]

Very interesting video! Thanks

[@jackminto7062]

I wanted a video like this and one of my favourite compositional youtubers posted this on my birthday. It's a good present.

[@soniabenhamida8984]

Fantastic and highly pedagogical approach. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and your views.

[@eporeon]

thank you for this video. ravel means a lot to me and this is one of my favorite of his pieces

[@corneliuslow]

I have never heard of this piece, thank you

[@pyotr2352]

This is the earliest I’ve ever been! Love your content!

[@marcbrasse747]

Fascinating!

[@dariopeil2785]

How insightful, thank you.

[@jorgeley]

Beautiful thx!

[@Lamadesbois]

Thank you for the video. The juxtaposition of your take and Ravel's really is a clever way to highlight his ideas of orchestration (as well as a glimpse into yours). It left me contemplating the idea of orchestrating a piece 🙂

[@RobberZhi]

Every second of this video was a revelation about a piece I already love. I'll never hear it quite the same way. Thank you so much.

[@audpicc]

People love to shit on Bolero because it's overplayed but I feel like it was perhaps the first orchestral piece I heard as a young person that really made me realize that orchestration in and of itself is an art form. And as a flutist and piccoloist, playing his pieces in orchestra always has this "i'm actually conjuring magic right now" feeling that's hard to describe.

[@FREIMUZIC]

Great video! Thanks!!

[@Allan-et5ig]

David Bruce Composer - This is fantastic!

[@sydposting]

Ravel is what got me introduced to your channel, via your analysis of La Valse! Always happy to see you really get into his stuff. Cheers!

[@ZachHeyde]

Phenomenal analysis, David-this is my favorite video of yours to date! Would love to see more like this 😁

[@louisdesjarlais4121]

Fascinating Mr. Bruce! I'd take your Ravel's orchestration analysis every day of the week!