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Week 3: Sophie Pope

Bolero by Sophie Pope

My take on Bolero uses the traditional dance time signature of ¾ and the use of the classical guitar gives a Spanish feel to the music. Inspiration was taken from Maurice Ravel's Bolero in his use of the snare drum rhythm, melodic parallel motion, modes, glissandos and a feeling of stasis and timelessness. Oscillating notes form the main focus of the piece which draw attention to the melodic lines and fragments which emerge from the amorphous texture. The guitar and double bass often join and conflict with each other, creating tension to contrast with the stability of the confluent marimba sounds. In the middle section, the woodblocks and cowbells imitate the repetitive bass line of Ravel's Bolero and the double bass and guitar gradually build up to a climax before quarrelling to end on a resounding crash.

Downloads
Sophie's Promcast
Bolero_-_Sophie_Pope.mp3 (mp3 file, 5.8MB)
Sophie's Promcast (alternative format)
Bolero_-_Sophie_Pope.wma (wma file, 8.8MB)

About the Promcast

The Promcast features new interpretations of music at The Proms from young composers, a series of behind the scenes podcasts with performers, and more.

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