Ravel originally conceived of his 'choreographic poem' La Valse as a tribute to Johann Strauss. But this is a waltz far removed from the urbane gaiety of old Vienna. A masterpiece of lush and brilliant orchestration it is a work of considerable emotional depth in which the initial series of elegant waltzes are transformed into what Ravel describes as 'a fantastic and fatal whirling' leading to a powerful turbulent climax. Full score edition.
