Conductor - James Stobart
Corn Exchange - King's Lynn
 

Pavane pour une Infante Défunte

Ravel (1875-1937)
It is a moot point whether it is more effective to start a concert with a triumphant flourish – Berlioz’ “Roman Carnival” – or a soothing little number – Debussy’s “L’après-midi”. On the one hand, musical and audience order is imposed with a bang; on the other, absolute quiet is required making listeners “open their ears” to tune in to the strains of the music. Falling most definitely into the second category, our opening piece this afternoon is an absolute gem - an exquisite example of Maurice Ravel’s total mastery of orchestral colour. The Pavan or Pavane, a 16th century processional court dance of Spanish or Italian origin, was performed by pairs of dancers arranged in formal patterns. The defunct Infanta (Princess) of the title is unknown. Ravel captures instantly the mood of the occasion with the solo horn melody and low bassoons setting a serious tone. The swaying rhythm of the dance is carried along in stately fashion by the gentle plucking of the muted strings. The composer uses his orchestral resources with such a sure touch – a delicate hint of harp here, a splash of stronger oboe colour there; the gentle murmur of the flute giving way to the hushed tone of lightly brushed strings. Magical!
 
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