Neo Classical

Neo Classical composers focus on rigid structure, mathematical precision, and the simple rewards found in a pretty melody. Armed with both foresight and hindsight, they return to traditional forms with innovative spirit, leaving behind contemporary stylistic trappings atonality, serialism, and Minimalism. Composer Maurice Ravel helped develop musical Impressionism with such works as the ballet Daphnis et Chloe, a fresh piece with lilting, free-flowing passages, it captures both a feeling of stately drama and galloping, sensual exuberance. For all that forward-thinking, Ravel was keenly interested in distinct rhythmic and melodic structure, often using strict three- part sonata form and deriving many of his compositions from that of Baroque, Classical, and Romantic composers. His "La Valse" was an homage to Johann Strauss (creator of such non-revolutionary classics as "The Blue Danube"), utilizing Viennese Waltz rhythms and a strong melodic sense.