# Ravel, Daphnis et Chloé, Suite No. 2

Shimmering, divided, colouristic string writing that asks for control at very quiet dynamics and precise ensemble.

## About the excerpt

- **Composer:** Maurice Ravel

- **Work:** Daphnis et Chloé, Suite No. 2

- **Era:** Modern (c. 1910–1950)

- **Composed:** 1912

- **Clef:** Alto clef

- **Difficulty:** Audition

- **Audition list:** Standard excerpt

## Bowing

Extremely quiet playing that still speaks. Contact point over the fingerboard with a slow bow, rather than pressing lightly at the usual point.

## Where it goes wrong

Rhythmic placement within the texture matters more than individual sound; the effect only works if the section is exactly together.

## Style

Colour rather than melody. Resist shaping it as a tune.

## Techniques

audition, soft, divisi, colour

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

- [Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5, I, opening](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/viola/shostakovich-5-i-viola), The angular canonic opening. Exposed, rhythmically strict, and demanding a hard, deliberate sound rather than a warm one. Advanced; Modern; Alto clef. Standard audition excerpt.
- [Prokofiev: Romeo & Juliet, Dance of the Knights](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/viola/prokofiev-romeo-juliet-viola), Heavy, deliberate, rhythmically exact writing in the middle register. Approachable notes, unforgiving pulse. Intermediate; Modern; Alto clef. Standard audition excerpt.

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/viola/ravel-daphnis-viola