Ravel Pavane for a Dead Princess (Henle)

According toRavelhimself, the strange title of the little piano piece composed
in 1899, “Pavane for a dead princess”, should not be ascribed too much
importance. He chose it mainly because he liked the alliteration it contained.
At the same time he did, however, agree that the music evokes “a pavane that a
little princess once might have danced at the Spanish court”.

Following its premiere in 1902 the simple but effective piece gained
unparalleled popularity, not least reflected in the numerousarrangements made
of it, one of which, for small orchestra, was by Ravel himself. We are
publishing the work in its original version as a fitting addition to our works
byRavel.