Ravel, Maurice. (1875-1937) & Long, Marguerite. (1874-1966)
Boléro - Autograph Musical Quotation
Rare autograph musical quotation on an album page, two measures, the instantly recognizable tune from Boléro, signed "Maurice Ravel" and dated 17/1/32 and signed additionally beneath on the same date by the important pianist so closely associated with the composer, Marguerite Long. In fine condition, also signed on the verso by the pianist Alexander Borovsky. 5.2 x 7.5 inches [13 x 19 cm].The premiere of the G major Concerto by Ravel, conducted by the composer and featuring the pianist Marguerite Long, had taken place just three days prior, on January 14, 1932 at the Salle Pleyel, after which the two musicians had immediately embarked together on a European tour that would last until April. At the premiere, in a program largely repeated on the tour, the Concerto had appeared in a program of Ravel works exclusively, including Pavane pour une infante défunte and Boléro. Long herself reported that Ravel grew so tired of Boléro that when she would hum the tune in his presence he would snap: "Quit singing that," to which she would retort "Oh! my friend, you shouldn't have composed it, then!" (As quoted in Cecilia Dunoyer, "Marguerite Long: A Life in French Music, 1874-1966," p. 95)
Originally composed as a ballet commissioned by Russian actress and dancer Ida Rubinstein, the one-movement orchestral piece Boléro was premiered in 1928, and is Ravel's most famous musical composition. Nevertheless it is surprisingly uncommon in musical quotations from the composer, perhaps, as Long reports, because he himself grew to find the tune tiresome! (13580)
AMQS Classical Music