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A playful Ravel is evident in Noël des jouets (1905), in which he made his debut as author. Each of the five verses has its topic: the sheep in the toy crib, the Virgin Mary in her crinoline (echoes of Massenet), the sinister dog Beelzebub lurking (low, Musorgskian major seconds) to eat up Jesus who is made of coloured sugar, and the final adoration. It was dedicated to Mme. Jean Cruppi, and was given its first performance by Jane Bathori, accompanied by Ravel, in March 1906. Ravel also made an orchestral version in the same year. Here is an English translation of the lyrics: The hand-varnished flock of sheep Rolls in a sudden burst of noise toward the crêche. The rabbit drummers, staccato and uneven, Cover up their [the sheep’s] shrill mirlitons. The Virgin Mary, in crinoline, Her enamel eyes unceasingly open, Waiting for Old Man Winter, Keeping watch over Jesus in the rocker. Because nearby, below a fir tree, Furtive, swaddled in the shadow
