The only way to successfully play the third movement of the Concerto in G Major by Maurice Ravel is to have a constant balance between strength and relaxation. It’s the shortest of all the movements, but the most challenging to endure. As I practiced, I had to find moments to relax the hand in between chords or between passages in order to prevent tension. There is so much life in this music that it requires a consistent mindset of living in the moment of performing and not thinking too far ahead; otherwise, it’s easy to become distracted by any tension in the hands, arms or even shoulders. After performing this piece with Anne Louise-Turgeon, I’ll never forget the feeling of satisfaction. Hard work pays off.
The simplicity of the second movement of the Concerto in G Major by Maurice Ravel can only be fully appreciated after the experience of the vivacious first movement. It’s a breath of fresh air, like stopping to enjoy a beautiful sunset after a long day. As time passes by, you begin to hear tension that builds into a delightful swirl of movement. It’s almost like getting lost into a whirlwind of colorful sound. It has become one of my favorite pieces to play, because it’s a challenge to be patient enough to truly listen for the variation of colors in its music.
The first movement of this concerto I performed certainly challenged my virtuosity! The hours I poured into this piece definitely made a better musician out of me.The opening of the concerto alone took a considerable amount of vivacious energy, note accuracy, and rhythmic drive.
The piece is the first movement of Maurice Ravel’s concerto in G Major, which he began composing in 1929. I studied under Anne Louise-Turgeon at Florida Atlantic University, who performed the orchestral part in this senior recital in 2009. Enjoy!
Expressive Keys 