Description

Ravel's Sonatine for piano was likely composed in 1903, with the first movement premiered by the composer himself on January 8, 1904 at a soirée hosted by Marguerite de Saint-Marceaux. The dates of the other two movements remain uncertain. While the work was enthusiastically received at its 1906 premiere in Lyon, the Parisian audience initially responded with more reserve. However, Ravel seemed to hold the Sonatine in high regard, frequently including the clearly structured, almost classical piece in his own concert programs.