RAVEL - Introduction et allegro

Maurice Ravel : Introduction et allegro
Henry Woolf, flute
Yuhsin Su, clarinet
Maria Ioudenitch, violin
Lun Li, violin
Keigo Suzuki, viola
Zachary Mowitz, cello
Héloïse Carlean-Jones, harp
Performed on Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Field Concert Hall, Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia
Maurice Ravel’s lovely Introduction and Allegro, while often presented as a work of chamber music, is in truth a miniature harp concerto with the accompaniment of a string quartet, flute, and clarinet. It therefore stands out in the minds of harpists, who program it often. Still, within Ravel’s body of work it functions mostly as a precursor to the ballet Daphnis et Chloé, reflecting the influence of Chabrier and Franck. Ravel himself omitted it from the catalog of his works and never mentioned it in his autobiography.
The Introduction begins with a tender and tentative melody which begins in the winds and passes to the strings, before the harp unveils itself with a dramatic chromatic arpeggiation. After a pause, the cello sings a new theme over a shimmering texture of arpeggios laid by the winds and remaining strings. The septet gains speed and picks up energy, but instead of diving straight into the new section, the ensemble relaxes and cedes the spotlight to the harp, which begins its first solo moment and leads the audience into the easygoing but spirited Allegro. Later on, the development builds to a climax which is derailed suddenly by the harp’s extended cadenza. The piece resolves itself with a straightforward recapitulation and a concise, exciting close.

[@3505aztx]

The harp part for this piece is probably the most gorgeous in all of harp music.

[@robstockton911]

It’s such a difficult instrument to write for, and it’s hard to believe that Ravel himself didn’t play harp. His harp scores are always impeccable.

[@romanhugodiazg.1281]

This work by M. Ravel is a precious little diamond. The interpretation of this ensemble is precise and respectful. It's a pleasure to hear them. Thank you

[@DeltaRana4]

Beautifully expressive playing from the harpist. A really great performance from all.

[@robertssje]

Who coached this? It's brilliant; like listening to the string playing that Ravel would have heard in his own time. I love these young players freely employing the technique of string portamenti. One might wonder why the obsession with "historical performance" is not more often practiced with pre-World War II music.

[@flavoredwallpaper]

I listened to classical music for about 20 years before discovering this piece. One of my favorites. So strange to me how relatively unknown it is.

[@Azian2DaMax]

I think it's because it's pretty rare to see performed live, probably because of the rather unusual ensemble it requires. But yes, this is a masterpiece amongst masterpieces nonetheless.

[@ssbphotography]

Wonderfully performed in a perfectly suited intimate setting. This piece creates a magical atmosphere which I fear I may never experience in person.

[@veronarapuc9924]

wow what a picture! the harp, the hair, the piece...excellent

[@theodoreconstantini2548]

They seem so young to me and they are already amazing musicians.

[@davidsheriff9274]

This is The Curtis Institute, you pretty much have to be a genius to get in there.

[@kingfilmproductions]

my favourite ravel work

[@MrMjp58]

I’m considering trying to do a solo guitar version of this masterpiece. Wish me luck..

[@hi7559]

Among the performances, this is the best

[@margaretlee5299]

Absolutely superb! Bravo/Brava ... I wish much musical success for each of you!

[@mynameismyown8369]

The physicality of the music and performance is stellar. What else can be said?

[@robertonerifis]

Simplesmente maravilhoso, lindo . Parabéns

[@doctordolldesigns4009]

Beautiful! but the harp should be center stage!

[@pleasedyes]

While most recordings are like that, I kinda like this setup Also the stage is beautiful, kinda makes me wanna go for this school, but it’ll be difficult

[@evanm3644]

I agree wholeheartedly for aesthetic but it was probably to have the strings together

[@annathalyhloredosartorio31]

I'm just here because of my music module tho

[@BalletBabyBoy]

DIVINE! What a lovely ballet it would make