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La Valse, M. 72a
Composed By: Maurice Ravel
Performed By: Shen Congzhe and Chua Zhan Au

Joseph Maurice Ravel (1875–1937) was a French composer, pianist, and conductor renowned for his impressionistic yet precise compositions. Born in the Basque region of France, Ravel’s heritage and exposure to Spanish culture deeply influenced his musical output. Having attended France's premier music college — the Paris Conservatoire, he was initially not well-regarded by his counterparts. However, undeterred, Ravel continued to work as a composer after leaving the conservatory. Eventually, he developed a unique compositional style that fused baroque, neoclassicism, and jazz.

La valse (The Waltz) is based on a choreographic poem for orchestra written by Ravel between 1919 and 1920, while the two-piano version was later arranged by Ravel himself. Although this piece may reflect themes of tragedy, Ravel denied that it was a reflection of post-World War 1 Europe, saying, "One should only see in it what the music expresses: an ascending progression of sonority, to which the stage comes along to add light and movement.".

This piece differs from a traditional waltz. Rather than serving as an accompaniment to a dance, its main purpose was to pay homage to Johann Strauss II and to the waltz form itself. The music begins with a rumbling passage, as a faint triple meter accompaniment introduces the waltz theme. The graceful and bright melody gradually blossoms from the background, transporting listeners from a vaporous atmosphere to a grand ballroom. Grounded by the archetypal waltz rhythm, the constant interplay of uplifting melodies and characters adds richness and vibrance to the music. However, just as the piece seems to be reaching its climax, it abruptly reintroduces the opening’s hazy rumblings, marking the beginning of the second section. The return of the earlier melodies, now distorted, cast a disconcerting shadow over the piece. Finally, after a series of unusual modulations, the piece culminates in a frenzied coda evoking the Danse Macabre.