Maurice Ravel — Bolero
Album: Boston Symphony Orchestra (1987)Avg rating:
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Total ratings: 3480
Length: 14:57
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(Instrumental)
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It's been almost long enough since "10" for me to listen to it again. I like classical music, but am tired of the short list of songs that are played 99% of the time. I've found Pandora "deep cuts" is my favorite way to stream classical music.
Frank Zappa does a god job of this. How about scheduling it in William?
Thanks to John Miles, who let me come in touch with THIS. It's a mantra.
A bit hokey perhaps for classical purists but stirring stuff. Build and builds and just when you think it can't go any higher it keeps on building. Amazing. Straight 10 for me.
RIP, Seiji Ozawa (September 1, 1935 – February 6, 2024), BSO Conductor
Always reminds me of the March of the Dinosaurs from Allegro non Troppo.
Watch it if you haven't, most excellent. You'll find it on Youtube.
Watch it if you haven't, most excellent. You'll find it on Youtube.
Masterpiece.
A bit of a pedestrian or restrained rendition perhaps, but a great piece of music, or did I speak too soon?
Hermoso, inigualable ❤️🔥
Kelvinclifford wrote:
I really want this to be true because the visual works perfectly. Even if it's not, it will now always conjure a line of elephants walking
This is about elephants walking through the Indian jungle
I really want this to be true because the visual works perfectly. Even if it's not, it will now always conjure a line of elephants walking
I LOVE this tune, but I was busy & had to hit the skip button after 4 mins, I will listen to it in it's entirety next time. Thanx RP! 
Kelvinclifford wrote:
I didn't know that . COOL!
This is about elephants walking through the Indian jungle
I didn't know that . COOL!
thundrpants wrote:
This is NOT the classical equivalent to STH. It's much much more!
This is the classical equivalent to Stairway to Heaven - a long song DJs use so they can go to the bathroom
This is NOT the classical equivalent to STH. It's much much more!
KevinM wrote:
Comparing this Masterpiece to that POS STH is an insult
I Agree!!
Comparing this Masterpiece to that POS STH is an insult
I Agree!!
Pretty sure a speeded up version was used in the original Star Trek
thundrpants wrote:
Comparing this Masterpiece to that POS STH is an insult
This is the classical equivalent to Stairway to Heaven
Comparing this Masterpiece to that POS STH is an insult
paloeguevo wrote:
There's a joke.................. but I'm just going to keep it in my head
You're right though, incredible stamina required ( and this is a 10 for me)
When you watch this piece live you will always see all the orchestra standing up for the percussionist. Keeping the rhythm for 15 minutes straight. The stamina and the concentration needed...
There's a joke.................. but I'm just going to keep it in my head
You're right though, incredible stamina required ( and this is a 10 for me) thundrpants wrote:
Don't get me wrong, though. I LOVE how this piece builds, and the dissonance!
This is the classical equivalent to Stairway to Heaven - a long song DJs use so they can go to the bathroom
Don't get me wrong, though. I LOVE how this piece builds, and the dissonance!
RAVEL !!!!! GIVE US A BREAK, MAN !!!!! The first 75 times through this 8 measures were enough, it is the last 568 times through that just put me over the edge! I HATE THIS THING !!!!!
This is the classical equivalent to Stairway to Heaven - a long song DJs use so they can go to the bathroom
I like to juggle to classical music. Pick a pattern or instrument and toss!
It takes concentration to a new limit. :-)
It takes concentration to a new limit. :-)
This song never quite lifts off unfortunately.
Good rendition by Ozawa (it's one of his best repertoire). I suggest Abbado with LSO, too.
glorious
Whewwww.
I gotta cool down now.
I gotta cool down now.
stephanwarpig wrote:
I wish pop music today was half as good as this.
Composed today, this would be ordinary pop music with a catchy melody. Nothing special.
I wish pop music today was half as good as this.
raindropherbs wrote:
perfect solution while the rest of us enjoy
Please, please, make this song stop. Never mind I changed stations.
perfect solution while the rest of us enjoy
Laptopdog wrote:
i would call that a quickie but do agree with your musical choice
This song is ideal for lovemaking.
14.59 is the perfect amount of time for foreplay, lovemaking, a quick smoke, and the crescendo that ends the song is perfect for waking me up after a ten minute nap.
14.59 is the perfect amount of time for foreplay, lovemaking, a quick smoke, and the crescendo that ends the song is perfect for waking me up after a ten minute nap.
i would call that a quickie but do agree with your musical choice
Please, please, make this song stop. Never mind I was able to change stations this time.
Bolero.
Hoochie coochie.
Wang dang doodle.
Mojo working.
Uh oh. This music can lead you to unexpected circumstances. And as Curly Howard of the Three Stooges would say: "I'm a victim of circumstance."
Hoochie coochie.
Wang dang doodle.
Mojo working.
Uh oh. This music can lead you to unexpected circumstances. And as Curly Howard of the Three Stooges would say: "I'm a victim of circumstance."
We listened this with professor of music in high school. I already liked a lot this masterpiece. Professor explained to us some details and whole thing become also interesting. After many years I still adore this music.
Composed today, this would be ordinary pop music with a catchy melody. Nothing special.
As Tony the Tigher might say..........grreeaatt!
raindropherbs wrote:
So, your co-workers super-glued you to your chair? ...Eh? ...You must have deserved it!
Please, please turn it off, I'm tied to my desk right now and can't get up to change the station.
So, your co-workers super-glued you to your chair? ...Eh? ...You must have deserved it!
raindropherbs wrote:
Every time I hear this, I will LMAO, while thinking of you!!! BTW, I always listen to this in it's entirety, uninterrupted!! SUPERB!!!
Please, please turn it off, I'm tied to my desk right now and can't get up to change the station.
Every time I hear this, I will LMAO, while thinking of you!!! BTW, I always listen to this in it's entirety, uninterrupted!! SUPERB!!!
shhhh777 wrote:
yeah. seatbelts are a bitch.
this is your recompense.
lie back and enjoy it.
lol maybe he's crazy glued himself too
yeah. seatbelts are a bitch.
this is your recompense.
lie back and enjoy it.
lol maybe he's crazy glued himself too
raindropherbs wrote:
yeah. seatbelts are a bitch.
this is your recompense.
lie back and enjoy it.
Please, please turn it off, I'm tied to my desk right now and can't get up to change the station.
yeah. seatbelts are a bitch.
this is your recompense.
lie back and enjoy it.
Queue wrote:
Probably has.
Bill'd get it before most of us...
does Bill ever precede or follow this with White Rabbit?
Probably has.
Bill'd get it before most of us...
GODLIKE! Excellent when played LOUD in FLAC w/ K701 studio phones, great amp & DAC!
does Bill ever precede or follow this with White Rabbit?
Please, please turn it off, I'm tied to my desk right now and can't get up to change the station.
Extremely boring. Therefore it's only purpose for me is falling asleep.
Which in itself is quite a goal.
Which in itself is quite a goal.
I had a very unconventional 12th grade English teacher. Mr. Shevlin brought a recording of Bolero in to class one day and made us all measure our pulses. Then he played the song and when it was over he made us measure it again. We were all astounded that everyone's had gone up. Just sitting there. Listening. He was very cool. For an old fashioned English teacher.
When you watch this piece live you will always see all the orchestra standing up for the percussionist. Keeping the rhythm for 15 minutes straight. The stamina and the concentration needed...
This is about elephants walking through the Indian jungle
This is very enjoyable. Also reminds me of Fiddler on the Roof. I can picture Tevye marching around his yard with arms raised and snapping to the beat.
Cantinflas dacing El bolero:
Bolero
Bolero
Well that took a long time to un-Ravel.
Majestic magnificence
Still gives me goosebumps listening to this
It is like a warm bath, Love It!
(If I took baths)
So good, this made my day ! Thanks RP
michelinux wrote:
What a brilliant piece of animation for this music. Italy's answer to Fantasia!!
What a brilliant piece of animation for this music. Italy's answer to Fantasia!!
Flash mob at Copenhagen Central Station. Copenhagen Phil playing Ravel's Bolero
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrEk06XXaAw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrEk06XXaAw
justin4kick wrote:
nice point hahaha
Excellent piece of music of Mr. Ravel but why is Robert de Niro in his Wikipedia-page?
nice point hahaha
Is this song great? Yes.
Is this song on my “favorites” list? Yes
Do I hear it on RP too much? Yes
That is all.
I think that is the song Enya listened to a lot.
What a sublime finale!😊
robmerkeldesigns wrote:
The video is private but if it's what I think it is it's part of a an Italian animated movie called "Allegro Non Tropo"
"Allegro non troppo" (double p :-) )
Allegro non troppo
The video is private but if it's what I think it is it's part of a an Italian animated movie called "Allegro Non Tropo"
"Allegro non troppo" (double p :-) )
Allegro non troppo
The BSO nails it. French foreplay masterpiece.
robmerkeldesigns wrote:
The video is private but if it's what I think it is it's part of a an Italian animated movie called "Allegro Non Tropo"
Not private for me. Hmm
Location maybe? (US for me)
The video is private but if it's what I think it is it's part of a an Italian animated movie called "Allegro Non Tropo"
Not private for me. Hmm
Location maybe? (US for me)
robmerkeldesigns wrote:
The video is private but if it's what I think it is it's part of a an Italian animated movie called "Allegro Non Tropo"
You're right.
The video is private but if it's what I think it is it's part of a an Italian animated movie called "Allegro Non Tropo"
You're right.
Will always go best with Torvill & Dean!
Kaisersosay wrote:
You crazy Brits,,,,,,having sex on ice skates....never thought of doing that.....
Is there another way?
You crazy Brits,,,,,,having sex on ice skates....never thought of doing that.....
Is there another way?
stevesaw wrote:
An amusing take on this masterpiece: Bolero animation
The video is private but if it's what I think it is it's part of a an Italian animated movie called "Allegro Non Tropo"
An amusing take on this masterpiece: Bolero animation
The video is private but if it's what I think it is it's part of a an Italian animated movie called "Allegro Non Tropo"
Bill, I just love it when you play Bolero. That is all.
kcar wrote:
It definitely did the trick for me while watching Bo Derek seduce Dudley Moore to this in "10"
I don't understand why the title of the movie is '10' when Dudley Moore gives Bo Derek an '11'...
To be followed by Jethro Tull's 'Skating Away'?
Having a long day/week/year. This playing as lunch music helps.
An amusing take on this masterpiece: Bolero animation
Man when the world opens again I'd love to hear this live.
How about Sonny & Brownie instead
Rockit9 wrote: 10 reference.
Damn, first thing that popped into my head, and you beat me to it. Well done. Well done.
triviagal wrote:
da da da DA da da da DA DA... bompa bompa bompa ba BA BA bompa bompa BA BA
There's that one repeating portion that reminds me of the Star Trek, original series, theme used whenever there's a fight scene. Especially the fight between Kirk and Spock in the episode "Amok Time". :)
da da da DA da da da DA DA... bompa bompa bompa ba BA BA bompa bompa BA BA
I don't hand out many 10's but....
There's that one repeating portion that reminds me of the Star Trek, original series, theme used whenever there's a fight scene. Especially the fight between Kirk and Spock in the episode "Amok Time". :)
epic
Okay, I know this makes me a boor, but...enough already....
secretsauce wrote:
From Ravel's early recording the piece lasted 15 minutes 50 seconds. Many recordings of this piece have different lengths.
Length: 14:59
What ... Ravel couldn't last 15 minutes?
What ... Ravel couldn't last 15 minutes?
From Ravel's early recording the piece lasted 15 minutes 50 seconds. Many recordings of this piece have different lengths.
I give this a “10” because of the Bo Derek film. Very funny scene.
Aoxomoxoa wrote:
And got it!
Torville and Dean deserved gold! Arguably.
And got it!
Anyone remember this was in the classic PC game Leisure Suit Larry VI ? :-)
Felix_The_Cat wrote:
When the song first came on, I was thinking, "It's pretty good, but it's not all that." By the time the song was in the last 3-4 minutes, I was thinking "Ya know, what? It is all that!" So I'd say it's mostly "real likings". I sure don't feel obligated to rate songs in a certain way. No one on here knows me. And I frequently rate songs 3 or 4 notches below that average rating. I don't care. Why would I? But this song is all that. It starts slow, but man does it build.
Does ppl rate songs according to their real likings or just to their snobbish assumptions on music ("Oh, god, you must give Ravel a 10 for its Bolero")
When the song first came on, I was thinking, "It's pretty good, but it's not all that." By the time the song was in the last 3-4 minutes, I was thinking "Ya know, what? It is all that!" So I'd say it's mostly "real likings". I sure don't feel obligated to rate songs in a certain way. No one on here knows me. And I frequently rate songs 3 or 4 notches below that average rating. I don't care. Why would I? But this song is all that. It starts slow, but man does it build.
Laptopdog wrote:
This song is ideal for lovemaking.
14.59 is the perfect amount of time for foreplay, lovemaking, a quick smoke, and the crescendo that ends the song is perfect for waking me up after a ten minute nap.
Try 'In the Hall of the Mountain King' if time is limited... 14.59 is the perfect amount of time for foreplay, lovemaking, a quick smoke, and the crescendo that ends the song is perfect for waking me up after a ten minute nap.
justin4kick wrote:
that really made me chuckle....
Excellent piece of music of Mr. Ravel but why is Robert de Niro in his Wikipedia-page?
that really made me chuckle....
Interesting. This following Carlos Nunez's Bolero. Wonder what's up next? Can we get a bolero trifecta?
His best-known work, Boléro (1928).
I enjoy this song immensely, but I am always more excited to see where rp takes us next after this gem.
Just saw an amazing performance fountain show to this piece at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. The pulsing eroticism of the music played PERFECTLY with the spectacular fountains.
Laptopdog wrote:
Sure Studly Do-right. And no one here has ever seen "10".
Nice try.
This song is ideal for lovemaking.
14.59 is the perfect amount of time for foreplay, lovemaking, a quick smoke, and the crescendo that ends the song is perfect for waking me up after a ten minute nap.
14.59 is the perfect amount of time for foreplay, lovemaking, a quick smoke, and the crescendo that ends the song is perfect for waking me up after a ten minute nap.
Sure Studly Do-right. And no one here has ever seen "10".
Nice try.
solid 10
Can you imagine having this rocketing around inside your head before you were able to write any of it down? 
First thing that comes to my mind is Bo Derek jogging down the beach. Or am I just imagining this sene?
edvj wrote:
This followed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NJRCCgK_AM
Copenhagen Phil (Sjællands Symfoniorkester) did a flash mob at Copenhagen Central Station on May 2nd 2011 playing Ravel's Bolero.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mrEk06XXaAw
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mrEk06XXaAw
This followed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NJRCCgK_AM
Must....resist....thoughts.....of.....Torvill & Dean....ice skating......................⛸⛸⛸⛸
Nope, there they are.
Nope, there they are.
justin4kick wrote:
Excellent piece of music of Mr. Ravel but why is Robert de Niro in his Wikipedia-page?
It doesn't get much better than this. Warning; do not drive on a motorway listening to this at full whack!!
I recommend a movie by Claude Lelouch 'Les uns et les autres'. Masterpiece built around this piece of music.
Does ppl rate songs according to their real likings or just to their snobbish assumptions on music ("Oh, god, you must give Ravel a 10 for its Bolero")
fredriley wrote:
Ooh, I've always hated this piece, even before Torville & Dean skated to Olympic victory on it and the tune was everywhere. The same motif repeated almost ad infitum. I read somewhere that even Ravel was sick of it, that he'd only written it as a musical exercise.
"a musical exercise"... Maybe, but a masterpiece none the less.Having studied percussion years ago I gained a very informative perspective on this piece. Many consider it a bit of an understatement in terms of complexity, though don't say that to the drummer!
From start to finish, the percussion is played on a snare drum with a pair of quarters (as in money) or half-dollars. The tempo has to be kept absolutely perfect with exacting intonation on each strike. The incredible stamina required to do this is sublime to say the least; one mistake, however minor, and the song is botched... And the musicians, as I've experienced, have to start the whole thing over again!
From start to finish, the percussion is played on a snare drum with a pair of quarters (as in money) or half-dollars. The tempo has to be kept absolutely perfect with exacting intonation on each strike. The incredible stamina required to do this is sublime to say the least; one mistake, however minor, and the song is botched... And the musicians, as I've experienced, have to start the whole thing over again!
What a marvellous masterpiece. I also love the ending of it, as if Ravel said: “Now it’s enough.”
Rare Birds uses its melody in their piece: “As your mind flies by” (minute 15:15)
Rare Birds uses its melody in their piece: “As your mind flies by” (minute 15:15)
Ooh, I've always hated this piece, even before Torville & Dean skated to Olympic victory on it and the tune was everywhere. The same motif repeated almost ad infitum. I read somewhere that even Ravel was sick of it, that he'd only written it as a musical exercise.
Love this piece. The repetition and monotony of this piece totally fits the day to day life during this bloody pandemic. The long, slow, crescendo makes me feel like all this sameness in my life is leading to something epic.
Some blowhard should write some lyrics to this gem.
As undeniably great as this piece is,this is, after all, "RP", and so I have to wonder at the lack of the usual faux-literate screeds whingeing on about its alleged excessive length and bemoaning the lack of negative numbers on the rating scale! EDIT: Nevermind! I clicked on the thumbs down icon and found them!
theirongiant wrote:
PLAY THE ZAPPA VERSION SOMETIME!!!!
@billg you’re funny... playing
Bolero on bagpipes followed by the real deal.
PLAY THE ZAPPA VERSION SOMETIME!!!!
unclehud wrote:
Totally ripped off the James Gang.
hahaha! this made me LOL with a snort thrown in! Thank you Unc. Laptopdog wrote:
This song is ideal for lovemaking.
14.59 is the perfect amount of time for foreplay, lovemaking, a quick smoke, and the crescendo that ends the song is perfect for waking me up after a ten minute nap.
14.59 is the perfect amount of time for foreplay, lovemaking, a quick smoke, and the crescendo that ends the song is perfect for waking me up after a ten minute nap.
It would be cool to hear ELP's Abaddon's Bolero here.
Ravel is always welcome when I listen to RP but I can't say this is the greatest version of Bolero. I don't associate Ozawa's conducting with wild passion and I don't hear much lust in this version. There's a recording of Ozawa and the BSO performing Gustav Holst's "Mars the Bringer of War" that has the same problem.
Laptopdog wrote:
You Go, Dog.... :)
This song is ideal for lovemaking.
14.59 is the perfect amount of time for foreplay, lovemaking, a quick smoke, and the crescendo that ends the song is perfect for waking me up after a ten minute nap.
14.59 is the perfect amount of time for foreplay, lovemaking, a quick smoke, and the crescendo that ends the song is perfect for waking me up after a ten minute nap.
You Go, Dog.... :)
This song is ideal for lovemaking.
14.59 is the perfect amount of time for foreplay, lovemaking, a quick smoke, and the crescendo that ends the song is perfect for waking me up after a ten minute nap.
14.59 is the perfect amount of time for foreplay, lovemaking, a quick smoke, and the crescendo that ends the song is perfect for waking me up after a ten minute nap.
I see the horse-drawn chariots entering the Circus Maximus.
I will never forget the moment I first heard this. Still in love with it to this very day
Totally ripped off the James Gang.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2hiDYE5Qdw