I just finished my paper on Maurice Ravel’s Chansons Madecasses. Here’s a link to the set of three songs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgdJ60cfOC4

This particular recording was made by Madeline Grey in the presence of Ravel himself. They’re meant to evoke the tribal sounds of the people of Madagascar. Listen for the tribal rhythms, delicately balanced colors in the instruments, and the imitations of war calls and cries.

 

I hope this provides a little insight to why musicians do what they do…to create things this passionate and beautiful and real.

 

Always,

Nicholle B.