PlayPiano
The short answer
Pavane pour une infante défunte, M. 19 is a piece by Maurice Ravel. PlayPiano puts it at Level 7, an estimate.
- pavane
- gentle
- melancholic
- block chords
- voicing
Also known as Maurice Ravel - Pavane pour une infante défunte M. 19.
History
Ravel wrote Pavane pour une infante défunte for piano in 1899, before making an orchestral version. Its title evokes a dance for a princess of an earlier age. The work began at the piano before finding a different sound in the orchestra.
Sources
What to listen for
A broad melody above quiet motion
The upper G lasts two beats before the line moves through G, A, F-sharp and E. A separate inner voice keeps moving in eighth notes. Hear the melody as one broad phrase.
The phrase answers lower
The melody answers around D, E and F-sharp while the inner eighth notes continue. Keep the melody distinct from the quieter motion beneath it.
A connected continuation
The upper line rises through F-sharp, G and A before turning through B, G and F-sharp. The inner pattern and separated bass notes continue; aim for a connected melodic arc.
How to practise it
Keep the melody prominent above the even inner motion and bass rests.
- Keep the tied melodic notes connected.
- Play the inner motion supportively.
- Preserve the bass rests.
How hard is it
The inspected bars combine a longer upper line, active inner motion, lower note/rest events and later quiet chord groups. The target values sustained balance across those layers.
About this piece
- Collection
- French piano colors
- Licence
- CC0
- Source
- musescore.com
More by Maurice Ravel
- Prélude (1913)Level 5, estimatedWith Maestro
- Jeux d’eau, M. 30Level 9, estimatedWith Maestro
