🇫🇷Joseph Maurice Ravel ： Rapsodie espagnole Habanera

“Habanera” from Ravel’s Rapsodie espagnole is music for two pianos built on the dotted rhythms characteristic of the habanera, evoking an exotic atmosphere with refined tonal color. Within its unhurried flow, the melody rises quietly while subtle movements in the accompaniment and shifting harmonies continually alter the expression. The two players should listen carefully to the range and tone color of each piano, keeping the rhythm from becoming heavy and preserving its supple sway. Balancing a singing melodic line with restrained pedaling and carefully shaping the density of the sonority brings out the music’s sensual and mysterious appeal.