Bolero's Blues

“Bolero’s Blues” is a 5-minute work for percussion orchestra. As stated by the composer, it is a “bluesy personification and tongue-in-cheek nod to both the Spanish dance form called the ‘bolero’ and the wildly popular one-act ballet score Bolero by Maurice Ravel.” Requiring 14 players and an enormous instrument list, it is suitable for advanced high school or college-level ensembles.

The piece is orchestrated in typical fashion, utilizing a variety of pitched and non-pitched instruments commonly found in most programs. However, it requires 28 instruments and a variety of implements for each player. Four vibraphones, four marimbas (two low-F and two low-A), glockenspiel, xylophone, and four timpani provide the pitched content, while numerous cymbals, drums, and other auxiliary instruments are used by the remaining three players. It is important to note that two octaves of crotales are needed, creating a potential challenge for some ensembles. The score and notation key are highly detailed and provide essential information for executing gestures. Additionally, all keyboard parts are equal in difficulty, with varied challenges in the non-pitched parts, giving directors flexibility when making assignments.

I love the overall feel of this composition! Despite the constant mixed meters, an intense groove throughout propels it to the end. I recommend it for a rhythmically confident ensemble as part of any percussion concert.

—Danielle Moreau
Percussive Notes
Vol. 60, No. 1, February 2022