Gemma New conducting NZSO in Ravel's Bolero at the 75th Jubilee Concert Photo: NZSO/Latitude Creative
Performed by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gemma New.
Maurice Ravel was quite self-disparaging about his most popular work. He told composer Arthur Honegger, “I’ve written only one masterpiece – Bolero. Unfortunately it has no music in it.” He also described Bolero as “orchestral tissue without music”.
The snare drum provides the pulse for this sultry Spanish dance repeating an ostinato pattern 169 times. Ravel’s slow, steady crescendo builds to a thrilling climax with virtually every instrument in the orchestra having a turn at the theme.
Recorded 9 September 2022, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington by RNZ Concert
Producer: David McCaw
Sound Engineer: Darryl Stack
