Kaddisch (from Two Hebrew Melodies) for violin and piano by Maurice Ravel
Transcribed by Lucien Garban. Published by Durand.
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) was a significant French Basque composer and pianist of the early 20th century. Though often labeled an Impressionist, he often considered himself a classicist at heart, finding inspiration in the music of Couperin, Mozart, and Chopin. He also incorporated Spanish music of his heritage in his music, as well as jazz in his later compositions. He is best known for his imaginative sense for color, melody, and harmony.
Ravel originally wrote his "Two Hebrew Songs" (1914) for voice and piano, drawing from traditional Jewish music and text in Aramaic and Yiddish. The first of these songs, the solemn, yet florid "Kaddisch", proved popular enough that Lucien Garban published this excellent violin transcription in 1924. Intermediate-advanced level, Grade 4.
