Masterpieces of the bolero. Recommended popular pieces in bolero form and outstanding performances.
When people hear “Boléro,” most think of the piece by the French composer Maurice Ravel, but in fact it is also a genre of dance music with Spanish origins.
Of course, Ravel’s Boléro is the most famous and has become synonymous with the genre, influencing many composers.
For example, the theme of the period drama Mito Kōmon uses the bolero rhythm, and the style of building grandeur by repeating the same melody with evolving arrangements is used to great effect in Time to Say Goodbye and in the orchestral arrangement of Hikari from Kingdom Hearts by Hikaru Utada.
Given the bolero’s powerful influence, you might be surprised to find that some of these pieces are boleros too!
We’ve gathered such works and outstanding performances by various artists.
By all means, listen beyond just Ravel’s Boléro and discover other pieces in this vein.
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Masterpieces of the bolero. Recommended popular pieces in bolero form and great performances (1–10)
Tango “Boléro”Juan Llossas
This is a piece distinguished by a passionate, wistful melody.
It features a unique structure that fuses traditional elements of tango with the rhythm of bolero, captivating listeners and never letting go.
The performance recorded on August 3, 1938 by Barnabás von Géczy’s orchestra is especially highly regarded.
Frequently heard in dance halls and on radio broadcasts, the work continues to be performed today by many orchestras and ensembles.
It’s a recommended listen for those who want to rediscover the allure of tango and bolero, or who are seeking passionate music.
Boléro with Japanese musical instruments and Nihon buyō (Japanese classical dance)Maurice Ravel
It is a masterpiece whose unique structure begins quietly and gradually builds in intensity.
With traditional Japanese instruments—such as koto, shakuhachi, and taiko—and Japanese dance, it offers a new interpretation of Maurice Ravel’s Boléro.
The repeated rhythms and melodies express the passage of time and changes within the human spirit, embodying the theme of the phoenix’s rebirth.
Since its premiere in December 2021, it has continued to captivate many people, surpassing 100,000 views on YouTube.
Highly recommended for those interested in the fusion of classical music and traditional Japanese performing arts.
「Bolero」Maurice RavelMaurice Ravel/Oshio Kōtarō
As you might imagine, given that it originated as a dance and was influenced by Spanish music, this melody pairs exceptionally well with the guitar and makes for a beautifully engaging piece.
Here is a bolero performed on acoustic guitar by Kotaro Oshio, a Japanese actor as well as a musician.
For those who know him only as an actor or TV personality, the richness of his tone may be astonishing.
Please give it a listen!
A masterpiece of the bolero. Recommended popular pieces in bolero form and outstanding performances (11–20)
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 7 in C major, Op. 60 “Leningrad,” Movement IDmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich
It is a grand symphony that symbolizes the hardships and triumphs of the Soviet Union.
Centered on the theme of the Nazi German invasion, it powerfully depicts the shift from peaceful daily life to the looming threat of war through compelling music.
The distinctive “war theme” consists of a simple melody that is repeated and gradually intensifies, resonating deeply with listeners.
With its historical background, the piece portrays not only the horror of war but also people’s courage and hope, allowing us to feel the importance of peace through music.
It is said that the development section, replaced by the “war theme,” was influenced by Maurice Ravel’s Boléro, and you can sense that atmosphere around 5 minutes 40 seconds into the video.
Ah, Life Has Tears (Mito Komon Seasons 18–27 Theme Song)ichiban / aoi teruhiko, niban / ibuki gorou
By this point, some of you might be thinking, “Come to think of it, isn’t that song I know actually a bolero?” In fact, the rhythm in bolero form is used in the theme song of that ultra-long-running, arguably most famous Japanese TV show— the period drama Mito Kōmon! Many people refer to the steady rhythm in the continuo-like part of this piece as “bolero form.” Who would have thought that Maurice Ravel would continue to exert such a strong influence in Japan, and even into the realm of enka-style pop songs? It really shows just how powerfully his music impressed itself on our collective imagination.
Nostalgic BoleroFujiyama Ichirō
Released in September of 1939 (Showa 14), Nostalgic Bolero is a kayōkyoku song by Showa-era national singer Ichiro Fujiwara.
The lyrics and certain elements seem to evoke images of Hawaii and the islands of the South Seas.
Alongside sensual musical qualities and touches reminiscent of flamenco, it may also have been conceived with Polynesia in mind—cultures with impromptu dance-song traditions featuring waltz-like rhythms, handclaps, percussion, and stringed instruments.
Yet the result is something quite different: a thoroughly Japanese kayōkyoku number.
The impression is of a gentleman who embraces these diverse cultures and conveys them to younger generations through his own Japanese-language song.
Why not experience the appeal of bolero as expressed through Showa-era kayōkyoku?
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time: Bolero of FireKoji Kondo
When it comes to notable works that incorporate the bolero form, some of you might think of this piece: “Bolero of Fire” from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
The melody plays an important role in the game and leaves a strong impression on players.
It carries themes that evoke fire and heat, featuring guitar-like string rhythms and a grand, full-orchestral feel.
It begins with a mysterious atmosphere, gradually gaining power and hinting at the start of an adventure.
It’s a recommended track for those interested in the game’s worldbuilding or who love epic music.
The soundtrack was released in November 1998 and has continued to be cherished by many music fans.