Ravel's first completed piano work. The title inscribed on the autograph manuscript is simply Sérénade. Along with other early works such as Menuet antique, the influence of Chabrier (1841-1894) is evident, and the composer himself acknowledged this in his autobiographical writings. Orenstein points out a kinship with Chabrier's Bourrée fantasque in the opening staccato passage and the 'grotesque' atmosphere suggested by the title. The distinctive arpeggio writing, marked 'pizzicatissimo' and resembling a strummed guitar, can be seen as a precursor to the later 'Alborada del gracioso'.