Maurice Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro (M.46) for harp, flute, clarinet, and string quartet is a cornerstone of impressionistic chamber music, celebrated for its shimmering textures and virtuosic writing for the harp.
So download the PDF. Break out the colored pencils for pedal markings. Gather your quartet. And discover why, 120 years later, Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro remains the ultimate litmus test for chamber music artistry. imslp ravel introduction and allegro
Would you like more information on specific performances, analysis, or anything else related to Ravel's Introduction and Allegro? Maurice Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro (M
Instrumentation: Harp, flute, clarinet, 2 violins, viola, and cello. Duration: Approximately 11–12 minutes. Key: G-flat major. Gather your quartet
The Allegro begins with the harp introducing the primary rhythmic motif. This section is characterized by its virtuosic harp writing, including rapid scales, arpeggios, and the "glissando" technique which was specifically meant to show off the Érard pedals. A central cadenza allows the harpist to perform unaccompanied, utilizing the full range of the instrument before a soaring coda brings the piece to a brilliant conclusion. Instrumentation and Color
Just after the Allegro begins, the harp executes a rapid ascending and descending glissando marked très vif (very lively). Most young harpists play it as a smear. Look closely at the notation: Ravel notates specific pitches at the top and bottom of the glissando. This implies a bisbigliando (whispering) effect—a brushed rather than smashed glissando. The IMSLP score shows Ravel’s original beaming, which suggests the two hands should not play simultaneously but in rapid succession.
The IMSLP score for Ravel's Introduction and Allegro features a high-quality, scanned version of the original manuscript, along with a range of additional resources, including audio recordings and historical information.