Ravel was a progressive orchestrator, and included parts for sopranino, soprano and tenor sax in his original score. (The sopranino part is often transcribed for soprano nowadays.) This arrangement takes Ravel's vision to its logical conclusion (or so saxophonists would argue) and allocates the rest of the orchestra to the remainder of the sax family, with tenors performing a vital role as side drum substitutes. Commissioned by Ida Rubinstein, the choreographed 1928 premiere saw her take the rol...