Bolero
Maurice Ravel
Work background
Researched classical background
Ravel built Bolero around an almost unchanging rhythmic accompaniment and repeated melodic material. Its development comes chiefly from orchestration and a long increase in volume. The piece originated as a ballet for Ida Rubinstein after an earlier plan involving music by Albeniz proved impractical. Successive instruments and combinations reveal different colors before the accumulated process breaks into its final climax.
Inspiration and creative background
The work was created for a ballet commission from Ida Rubinstein; the Spanish dance character is part of that documented context.
Bolero - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Keep the recurring rhythm in mind while identifying the new instrument or blend assigned to each melodic return.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1928
Composed for Ida Rubinstein's ballet and premiered in Paris in 1928.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Bolero - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Bolero - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Browse by year
1960-2025. Each year contains 150 selections.