The Works

Welcome to The Works, the playlist featuring the latest and best from the world of classical music. Heading up this week’s playlist is a superb and fresh performance of Ravel’s iconic Boléro by Gustavo Dudamel conducting the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra. “Ravel’s Boléro is one of the most iconic works, not just in classical music, but in all of music,” Dudamel tells Apple Music Classical. “Its power lies in its simplicity: one rhythm, two melodies, that’s it. The listener is carried through a crescendo of colours, on an ever-evolving journey of joy. “This recording is especially meaningful, as it marks my beloved Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra’s first time recording Ravel. Beginning with what is perhaps his best-known piece is certainly a challenge, but we bring our Sistema soul to Boléro—infusing it with our unique DNA of how we conceive sound, and how we approach music-making.” The Works is updated regularly by our editors, so if you find a piece of music or performance you love, make sure you add it to your library.