# Ravel, Boléro

The unmistakable repeating pizzicato cello/bass ostinato. Hypnotic precision required.

## About the excerpt

- **Composer:** Maurice Ravel

- **Work:** Boléro

- **Movement:** Tempo di Bolero, moderato assai

- **Era:** Modern (c. 1910–1950)

- **Composed:** 1928

- **Key:** C

- **Metre:** 3/4

- **Tempo:** Tempo di Bolero approximately 72 BPM

- **Clef:** Bass clef

- **Difficulty:** Comfortable

- **Audition list:** Not a standard excerpt

## Bowing

Pizz throughout. Identical attack every note for the full 17 minutes.

## Style

Mechanical, hypnotic. Don't let your mind wander, and don't crescendo.

## Techniques

orchestral, famous, pizzicato

This public reference contains work information and original practice notes. It does not publish the excerpt notation or grant permission to copy a score. Score access and rights depend on the edition and jurisdiction.

## Related excerpts

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- [Vaughan Williams: Tallis Fantasia, pizz opening](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/cello/vw-tallis), Mysterious pizzicato chords that open one of the great English string works. Comfortable; Modern; Bass clef.
- [Copland: Appalachian Spring, Simple Gifts](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/cello/copland-appalachian), The cellos take the second variation of the Shaker hymn, pure American optimism. Comfortable; Modern; Bass clef.
- [Debussy: Prélude à l'après-midi, cellos](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/cello/debussy-faune), Languid, mysterious accompaniment to the famous flute solo. The dawn of musical Impressionism. Intermediate; Modern; Bass clef.
- [Stravinsky: Firebird, Berceuse](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/cello/stravinsky-firebird-berceuse), Hushed lullaby that opens after the firebird's capture, cellos rock gently in the lower register. Intermediate; Modern; Bass clef. Standard audition excerpt.
- [Prokofiev: Romeo & Juliet, Dance of the Knights](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/cello/prokofiev-dance-knights), The thunderous Capulet dance, relentless, marcato, a staple of orchestra excerpts. Intermediate; Modern; Bass clef. Standard audition excerpt.

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/cello/ravel-bolero