When Maurice Ravel originally composed his Boléro in 1928 it was written to accompany ballet and there was no libretto. The work’s popularity has generated many arrangements and scorings, though, and now I’m thrilled to discover it inspired Angélique Kidjo to create a version where her voice is an essential element joining the more traditional instruments. This performance for a 2011 WGBH special, “Spirit Rising”, also features Branford Marsalis.
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Just back from Spain, I got a thrill rush from this Bolero interpreted by Branford Mysalis and Angelique Kidjo. The piece was first performed in 1928 and, of course, defied conservative conventions to the point that the composer was written off by French classical institutions. Ravel was born to Spanish/French Basques and the piece, for me, is a universal gift. Thanks to the editors for featuring it.