Le Tombeau de Couperin

The word tombeau in the title is a musical term popular from the 17th century, meaning "a piece written as a memorial".

Neoclassicism also shines through with Ravel's pointedly twentieth-century chromatic melody and piquant harmonies, particularly in the dissonant Forlane.

[citation needed] The orchestral version clarifies the harmonic language of the suite and brings sharpness to its classical dance rhythms.

The oboe features prominently, taking the melody in the Prélude and the Menuet, as well as for the pastoral C minor section of the Rigaudon, where it is accompanied by guitar-like pizzicati.

Four movements (Prélude, Fugue, Menuet, and Rigaudon) have been arranged for wind quintet by American horn player Mason Jones (1919–2009).