Ravel - Boléro

The main melody is stated approximately 18 times over the course of the piece, each repetition passed to a different orchestral instrument or instrumental pair. With each repetition, Ravel adds instruments and increases the dynamic, building from a pianissimo opening to a fortissimo climax.

Ravel introduces the melody first on a solo flute, then passes it through clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, muted and open trumpet, oboe d'amore, horn, and other wind and string instruments. The use of the soprano saxophone is particularly notable, as Ravel was one of the few classical composers of his era to write for the instrument.

Ravel famously dismissed the piece, reportedly calling it '17 minutes of orchestra without any music' and expressing astonishment at its enormous popularity. He felt it was merely an exercise in orchestration and repetition, and was frustrated that audiences preferred it over works he considered far more substantial.

Yes, Boléro gained enormous mainstream recognition when it was featured prominently in Blake Edwards's 1979 film 10, starring Dudley Moore and Bo Derek, where it is used as a romantic theme. The exposure caused a massive surge in sales of recordings of the piece, making it one of the most commercially successful classical works of the late 20th century.