Piece in the form of a Habanera

Through much of his early career Maurice Ravel was drawn to Spanish musical styles.  Like many French composers of the time, Ravel tried his hand at writing the habanera, a Cuban dance form that was the rage in late 19th century Spain. All habaneras, including the famous aria from Bizet's 1874 opera Carmen, are characterized by the two-beat rhythmic pattern that we hear played by the piano in the opening measure of Ravel's Pièce en Forme de Habanera. The Pièce was originally written in 1907 as a Vocalise-étude for low voice and piano, on a commission from a professor at the Paris Conservatory, for use by his voice students.  Ravel later transcribed it for cello and piano.   

Instrumentation: 423.11 brass ensemble

• Trumpet 1 in E♭
• Trumpet 2 in B♭
• 2 Flugelhorns
• 2 Horns
• 2 Trombones
• Bass Trombone
• Euphonium
• Tuba

This arrangement is part of our Boulder Brass Signature Series.