Ravel was a French composer whose Basque-Spanish heritage infused his music. His Pièce en forme de Habanera was originally a vocalise – a song for singer with no words. His colourful, impressionistic French harmonies create a heat haze around the melody. Sultry and beautiful, this is a daydream from the Basque country.

Anthony Friend, clarinet
Joseph Havlat, piano
Photo by William Marsey