Help! Notation in Ravel's Jeux d'Eau

[pianobabe_56]

I don't have the art skills to draw a picture of what this looks like, so I'm going to do my best to describe it in words.

I'm looking in measure 40 of the J'eux d'Eau (give or take a few measures, of course). The right hand has 32nd notes, and the left hand has chords. On one of these chords, there is a B on top, and an E natural on the bottom, with a line drawn from the B down to an additional note--an E sharp.

I have two versions of this piece, and both have this in them, and I'm at a complete loss as to how to play it.

Help?

[m1469]

Hi pianobabe,

Well, you just play them together, just like any chord.  It is only written this way because of the practical needs of musical notation and communication.  Both those "E's" need the same line at the same time, and they both need an accidental written in beside them to clearly define for the performer their special characteristics.  They can't fit together on the page unless it is notated as you have seen there and have described.  But not to worry, it's just a cluster of notes like any other chord, so play them both and revel in Ravel ! 


m1469