Analysis of M. Ravel’s Alborada Del Gracioso in Terms of Form and Piano Technique

In order to perform a musical work effectively, one must explore the period and the country in which the composer was born and lived, the schools of music and composers that inspired him along with his musical style and also analyze the musical work in terms of technique, form and musical structure. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that this study be carried out before a musical work is played with an instrument. Such an analysis enables the performer both to identify with the musical work and have a better grasp of the composer’s feelings and desires. Miroirs, a piano piece by the French impressionist M. Ravel (1875-1937), is composed of five sections, each of which expresses the reflection of the ideas and images constructed on the composer’s mind. In this context, the piece is among the most important examples of the impressionistic music. Alborada del Gracioso, the focus of this research, ranks fourth in the Miroirs series and it is the most difficult one in terms of piano technique. Harbouring elements of Spanish Flamenco music, this piece is the most well-known as well as the most played among pianists. For all these reasons, we aim to provide those pianists willing to perform this piece with a comprehensive guide to which they can resort both before and during the performance. This study analyzes the piece from such different perspectives as form and piano technique, while at the same time offering some useful recommendations to the pianists