Maurice Ravel – Le Gibet (Clarinet Nonet + 2 Piccolos, Flute & Contrabassoon)

This piece may be purchased at sheetmusicplus.

Le Gibet is the second movement from Maurice Ravel's "Gaspard de la Nuit".

The gibet was a hook (gibbet), usually found near the entrance of a medieval town upon which some law offender would be suspended so as to warn visitors and the inhabitants not to offend. The ostinato throughout serves as a reoccurring focal point, much like the constant swing of the hook in the wind. It's dark, foreboding, and absolutely beautiful. This will challenge your ensemble in determining how loud pianissimo is.

This is an arrangement by Richard Byrnes for 2 Piccolos, Flute, 6 Clarinets, 2 Bass Clarinets, Contralto Clarinet, & Contrabassoon.