Program Note

In 1906, Ravel’s initial conception of La Valse had been to compose an orchestral homage to Johann Strauss, the grandfather of the Viennese waltz, with the working title, Wien (“Vienna”). But by 1920--on the other side of World War I--the work had assumed a new form as a ballet commission for Sergei Diaghilev, the same impresario for whom Ravel had composed Daphnis et Chloé in 1912. Ravel envisioned La Valse set in an immense and crowded imperial hall in 1855 Vienna. He writes, ““I conceived this work as a sort of apotheosis of the Viennese waltz, with which, in my mind, is mixed a fantastic and fatal whirlwind.” Having already composed the orchestral work, Ravel arranged a version for two pianos, which he offered to Diaghilev in the presence of Stravinsky and Poulenc. Diaghilev declared it “a masterpiece” but “not a ballet”--a judgment that ended Diaghilev and Ravel’s professional relationship.