Ravel, Maurice 1875 - 1937
Author: Yasukawa, Tomoko
Last updated：November 1, 2006
Author: Yasukawa, Tomoko
A leading composer of modern France, alongside Debussy. He was born in Ciboure, a Basque region near the Spanish border; his mother was Basque. At the Paris Conservatoire (1889-1901), he studied piano with Bériot, counterpoint with Gédalge, and composition with Fauré.
His highest achievement in the Prix de Rome was a second prize, and although he continued to compete for the Grand Prize, he was deemed ineligible in 1905. The ensuing protests were so widespread that Dubois, then director of the Paris Conservatoire, was forced to resign. In 1910, he co-founded the Société Musicale Indépendante (SMI) with Koechlin, Caplet, Roger-Ducasse, and others. They were all avant-garde artists who respected and were influenced by Debussy's music. Ravel's music, however, was not merely a rebellion against the old; he learned much from and incorporated elements of classical and Romantic music.
While he left masterpieces in various genres, he displayed particularly outstanding talent in the field of orchestral music, especially ballet scores. Many of his piano works are challenging due to the application of orchestral writing, but listening to his complete piano oeuvre provides an overview of Ravel's musical inspiration. His music encompasses: respect for classical forms and dance (and rhythm); a childlike world akin to fairy tales; expressions of nature and fantasy worlds reminiscent of Impressionism/Symbolism; and exoticism from Russia, Spain, and the Orient. Within these characteristics—humor, wit, elegance, and sophistication—which align with the image of French music, his compositions also carry a certain melancholy, creating a unique world that continues to be cherished by many.
Works(44)
Concerto (1)
concerto (2)
Piano Solo (9)
pieces (5)
menuetto (3)
Piano Ensemble (4)
pieces (3)
Reduction/Arrangement (1)
transcription (10)
The second suite from ballet "Daphnis et Chloé" transcription made by Vyacheslav Gryaznov
Playing time: 16 min 40 sec
Various works (2)
Chamber Music (3)
Various works (2)
Lied (1)
pieces (4)
etc (3)