Ravel - Pavane Pour Une Infante Défunte
This melancholy piece considers the death of a princess. Every father's daughter should be their princess and the joy of having innocent children is very special. To outlive one's children or even to see those younger than you go to the grave is a hard burden and the sense of pain in the music is subtle, but present. Nonetheless, the piece feels like it is full of happy memories. The arrangement for soprano saxophone works well. Whilst no particular dancing Spanish princess is in mind, the evocation of the past and the emotional thrust of the piece is palpable. Originally a short piano work, Ravel orchestrated the piece and it has subsequently been arranged for saxophone and many other combinations.