the concerto was deeply infused with jazz idioms and harmonies, which, at the time, were highly popular in paris as well as the united states, where ravel was traveling on a piano tour. ravel remarked that "the most captivating part of jazz is its rich and diverting rhythm. ... jazz is a very rich and vital source of inspiration for modern composers and i am astonished that so few americans are influenced by it." after his well-received tour, ravel wanted to give the first public performance of this new work himself. however, health issues precluded this possibility, with his preparatory practice of liszt's and chopin's études leading to fatigue. he then planned a premiere for 9 march 1931, in amsterdam, but these plans were also canceled due to his work on the concerto for the left hand, his many public appearances, and his performances of his other works.