Bolero

Maurice Ravel

First listen

Listen once without writing. What do you notice?

Listen closely

1 RHYTHMWhat pattern keeps repeating?

Sentence stemThe ___ pattern keeps repeating.

Vocabulary
  • drum
  • steady
  • repeated
  • even
2 TIMBREWhich instrument has the melody each time?

Sentence stemThe melody is played by ___.

Vocabulary
  • flute
  • clarinet
  • bassoon
  • strings
  • brass
3 DYNAMICSHow does the volume change from beginning to end?

Sentence stemThe music becomes ___.

Vocabulary
  • louder
  • fuller
  • stronger
  • more powerful
4 STRUCTUREWhat stays the same and what changes each time the melody returns?

Sentence stemThe ___ stays the same while the ___ changes.

Vocabulary
  • rhythm
  • melody
  • instrument
  • volume
5 TEXTUREHow does the texture grow from the beginning to the end?

Sentence stemThe texture grows from ___ to ___.

Vocabulary
  • thin
  • thick
  • one main sound
  • a full orchestra

How does this piece make you feel?

There is no right or wrong answer. Which words match your response?

calmexcitedhopefulcuriousjoyfulpowerfulpeacefultensedreamybravethoughtfulenergeticmysteriouscomfortedrestlessproudsadsurprisedupliftedfocused

Music through time

1928 · 20th-century orchestral

Explore the full timeline →
  1. Medieval500–1400
  2. Baroque1600–1750
  3. Classical1750–1820
  4. Romantic1820–1900
  5. 20th century1900–2000
  6. Contemporary2000–present