Underscore: Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé

Go behind the scenes with Maestro Gómez as he explores Ravel’s celebrated ballet, Daphnis et Chloé. Commissioned in 1909 by Sergei Diaghilev, founder of the Ballets Russes, the work became Ravel’s most expansive orchestral score. The collaboration with choreographer Michel Fokine brought artistic challenges but also introduced Ravel to new rhythmic and structural ideas that helped shape the music. Igor Stravinsky regarded Daphnis et Chloé as not only Ravel’s best work, but also one of the most beautiful products of all French music. Enjoy excerpts and commentary, followed by a complete performance of this symphonic masterpiece. I must tell you that I’ve had a really insane week: preparation of a ballet libretto for the next Russian season. Almost every night, work until 3 a.m. What particularly complicates matters is that Fokine doesn’t know a word of French, and I only know how to swear in Russian. Even with interpreters around you can imagine how chaotic our meetings are. Maurice Ravel, in a 1909 letter to his friend Madame de Saint-Marceaux Plan Your Visit This concert is available as part of a Create Your Own Subscription or as an add-on after purchase of any other subscription series. This program will be presented without an intermission. Excerpts and commentary by Maestro Gomez will be followed by a complete performance of the work. Stay on for a Q&A with the Maestro. This work will be performed as part of a longer program on both Friday evening and Sunday afternoon. Linda Ronstadt Music Hall has a clear bag policy. Read more about this venue. Music Director José Luis Gómez recommends this video: