Ravel: La Valse (Version for Solo Piano)
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- Composer: Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)
- Instrumentation: Piano
- Work: La Valse (Version for Solo Piano), M. 72b
- ISMN:
- Size: 9.1 x 12.2 inches
- Pages: 39
Description
Out of admiration for the "Waltz King" Johann Strauss, Ravel had already planned a waltz composition in 1906, the realisation of which was hindered by other projects and the outbreak of the First World War. When he received a commission for a ballet in 1919, he took up the idea again and, in his own words, composed "a kind of apotheosis of the Viennese waltz". After initially rather reserved reactions from the public, the "Poème chorégraphique" for orchestra is now one of the top hits of classical music. The genesis of the work was unusual because Ravel worked simultaneously on two piano versions and the orchestral score. The version for solo piano as well as that for two pianos are therefore not preliminary stages for the final orchestral score, nor are they subsequently created piano reductions, but rather musically independent versions of the work, which Ravel also had published. Even more strongly than in the orchestra, the structure and articulation as well as the clarity of the lines in the composition come to the fore in these delightful piano versions. This testifies once again to Ravel's mastery. Reason enough to present these two piano versions for the first time in Urtext editions which were prepared on the basis of all the authentic sources.
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
Facsimile
Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
Hardcover
Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
Orchestral Parts
Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
For ensemble music, this indicates that there are separate individual parts for each player.
Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
Ravel: La Valse (Version for Solo Piano)
