The work owes its existence to a corporate rivalry in early 20th-century Paris. In 1904, the company commissioned Claude Debussy to write Danse sacrée et danse profane to showcase their new chromatic harp .
Ravel’s own arrangement for two pianos (1905) can be found, along with a piano solo transcription by Lucien Garban. imslp ravel introduction and allegro
The Introduction et Allegro IMSLP page is a primary resource for performers and scholars, offering several historical and practical editions: The work owes its existence to a corporate
In response, the company commissioned Ravel to write a piece for their double-action pedal harp . Ravel, typically a slow and meticulous composer, finished the work in just eight days of "dogged work and three sleepless nights" to ensure he could leave for a boating holiday on schedule. 2. Instrumentation and Structure The piece is scored for a unique septet: Solo Harp Flute and Clarinet String Quartet (Two violins, viola, and cello) The work consists of two continuous sections: The Introduction et Allegro IMSLP page is a