Boléro

Boléro is one of Maurice Ravel’s most recognized works and is based on the musical form and Spanish dance of the same name. With a repeating and insistent ostinato and snare drum accompaniment, the piece features percussionist Dan Diamond (the Band’s longest serving member), as well as solos for clarinet, flute, and trumpet. A subtle and slow forward momentum builds from the beginning piano to fortissimo, all the time adding variations in instrumentation. The final climax brings all musical forces to bear as the work crescendos to a dynamic conclusion. (Source: JRO)