Sheherazade, M. 41

Maurice Ravel's (1875-1937) SH?H?RAZADE, M. 41 is a song cycle based on three poems by Tristan Klingsor. Both men belonged to a circle of young artists known as the Hooligans (Les Apaches), and upon hearing Klingsor read some of his poetry to the group, Ravel suggested that he set three of the verses to music. Not to be confused with the 1898 overture of the same name, it is scored for solo soprano and orchestra, but one of Ravel's acquaintances noted that the composer and poet were contemplating the solo part being sung by a male voice. Alfred Cortot conducted the premiere on May 17, 1904 at the Salle Nouveau Th??ter with soprano Jeanne Hatto. This Kalmus edition was edited by Clinton F. Nieweg. Instrumentation: 2+Picc.2+EH.2.2: 4.2.3.1: Timp.Perc(7): 2Hp.Clst: Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set): Solo Sop. Movements: I. Asie (Asia); II. La fl?te enchant?e (The Enchanted Flute); III. L'indiff?rent (The Heedless One).