The slow second movement of the piano concerto by Maurice Ravel is one of the most poignant and beautiful pieces of music ever written. It begins with a long melody for solo piano that has an almost improvised quality. Despite its apparent spontaneity, Ravel confessed: “That flowing phrase! How I worked over it bar by bar! It nearly killed me!”
Part of its secret is that the simple, pulsing accompaniment is in 6/8 while the melody is in 3/4.
The two meters tug against each other, creating a subtle tension beneath the music’s tranquil surface. The melody itself displays great rhythmic subtlety, frequently evading strong beats with suspensions and other ornaments. It is no wonder that Ravel, ever the consummate craftsman, labored so long over one of his most perfect creations. The 6/8 accompaniment continues throughout the entire movement, only resolving to 3/4 in the end.
After the piano’s initial melody, a contrasting middle section begins as the orchestra enters. The woodwinds engage in an intimate conversation with the soloist, who then begins a wandering, Bachian melody. The piano’s ornamental figuration becomes faster as the harmonies become more emotional and intense, reaching an exquisite climax. The opening melody then returns in the English horn as the piano embellishes it with delicate, music box-like figuration. The woodwinds return in a brief coda as the music dies away.
Here is the magical second movement from the piano concerto by Maurice Ravel:
