Ravel. La Valse

Oh, this La Valse… The transformation of an elegant dance in the beginning into such an incredible agony at the end proves so fascinating to watch and follow! The composer’s own arrangement for solo piano leaves numerous options from which the performer may choose. That’s why almost every pianist who decides to play the piece creates some sort of a unique transcription based on the Author’s version. I could not resist such a temptation, and without too much thinking started to work on my own. I tried to avoid any simplifications due to the complex polyphony of the orchestral score and probably overcomplicated my arrangement. But I truly believe that such a black pearl as La Valse possesses the worth for the performer to die right on stage, surrounded by the dark energy and beauty of a dance rife with love, passion, and fire.