Introduction and Allegro (Ravel)

Introduction and Allegro
by Maurice Ravel
Maurice Ravel in 1907
Native nameIntroduction et allegro
KeyG major
CatalogueM. 56
ComposedJune 1905
DedicationAlbert Blondel
Published22 February 1907
Scoring
  • harp
  • flute
  • clarinet
  • string quartet

Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet and String Quartet (Introduction et allegro pour harpe, flûte, clarinette et quatuor) is a chamber work by Maurice Ravel. It is a short piece, typically lasting between ten and eleven minutes in performance. It was commissioned in 1905 by the Érard harp manufacturers to showcase their instruments, and has been described as a miniature harp concerto. The premiere was in Paris on 22 February 1907.

The work has been arranged for piano and for large orchestral forces but the version for seven instruments is usually performed, and has been recorded many times. Harpists who have featured in recordings include Lily Laskine, Nicanor Zabaleta, Osian Ellis, Markus Klinko, Lavinia Meijer and Marie-Pierre Langlamet.