Ravel: Pavane for a Dead Princess - Easy Arrangement

Maurice Ravel: Pavane for a Dead Princess (Pavane pour une infante défunte)

PDF Sheet music, piano solo
Simple Solutions arrangement by Henrik Kilhamn

Approximate Grade: 3
Scale 1 - 8: Beginner - Advanced

Key: G major, same as original
Some parts of the original composition is omitted in this arrangement

In its original form, the Pavane starts out in a quite innocent and manageable way for the first theme, but the further the piece goes, the harder it gets. The main theme itself is not that complicated, but when it returns later in the piece Ravel makes it shine with wide chords and an increasing amount of inner movement. In this arrangement we have the theme close to its first statement but redistributed as only melody in RH and accompaniment in LH. Then the first episode is included without the bass pedal point that demands big LH leaps, but not the second episode that has such a complex identity that cannot be reduced without losing it. However, the piece works perfectly in this form of Theme – Episode – Theme. This music needs to be played with pedal to reach its full sonorous effect, so pedal marks are included for the whole arrangement.

This arrangement is included in Simple Solutions VOLUME 1 (Elementary ~ Grade 3)

Also, check out Simple Solutions VOLUME 2 (Intermediate ~ Grade 5)

ABOUT SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

This is for everyone who loves the great piano repertoire but haven’t (yet) developed the skill required to master it. After all, the big composers wrote music for professional musicians, and it takes many years of studies to achieve a level sufficient to play their pieces as written. However, the musical material can be separated into melody, harmony, rhythms, and textures, and in some cases simplified while preserving the core ideas. This is what I have done in these arrangements of some of the most beloved piano melodies by the great composers. In this easier setting, you will instead have enough time on your hands (literally!) to bring the music to life and care about those aspects that often otherwise come second: phrasing, articulation, dynamics, and balance. This will help you develop your over-all musicality, which will be of great value in all other pieces as well.

I believe you have the right to enjoy playing this great music with your own hands, even when the original writing is beyond your present level or would require too much time and effort. In the end, if you feel ready for a challenge and want to go forward with proper piano studies that requires years of practice—the originals are always there. In the meantime, these arrangements will bring you close to the same enjoyment, because all musical ideas are carefully conserved.

They are just a little bit easier.