Pavane for a Dead Princess

Composed in 1899, the "Pavane pour une infante défunte" ranks among Maurice Ravel's earliest and most popular works. Originally written for piano, it already displays the melodic elegance and harmonic sophistication that would characterize Ravel's later style. The composer himself is said to have later judged this youthful work critically, yet could not deny its enduring success.

With this pavane, Ravel created a work of melancholic beauty that combines the French tradition of salon music with impressionist tone colors. The noble melancholy and dance-like character of the old pavane merge into a musical tableau of timeless effect. The orchestral version of 1910 enhances the nostalgic atmosphere of the piece through subtle instrumentation.

As a representative of French modernism, Ravel here still shows clear influence from his Romantic predecessors, while simultaneously revealing his emerging predilection for historical dance forms. The work is considered a characteristic example of that French impressionism which conveys emotion through tone color and atmospheric density.