Famous works · 20th century
Boléro
Premiered 22 November 1928, Paris
One melody repeated over a snare drum for fifteen minutes, getting steadily louder.
The story behind it
The dancer Ida Rubinstein commissioned it as a ballet, first performed at the Paris Opéra.
Ravel called it an experiment — “orchestral tissue without music” — and was surprised by its success.
Each repeat changes only the instruments, making it a lesson in orchestration.
What to listen for
- The snare drum rhythm that never stops.
- The sudden key change just before the end.