Maurice Ravel

Maurice Ravel, born in Ciboure, France, in 1875, was a prominent French composer of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His life spanned a period of significant artistic and social change, including the Belle Époque and the tumultuous years of World War I. While often associated with Impressionism, he maintained a distinct individuality, blending elements of classical form with modern harmonies and orchestral colors. Ravel's meticulous craftsmanship and innovative approach to orchestration earned him international acclaim, solidifying his place as a master of 20th-century music.

Ravel's musical influences were diverse, ranging from the elegance of Mozart and the harmonic innovations of Debussy to the exotic rhythms of Spanish folk music and the vibrant orchestrations of Russian composers like Rimsky-Korsakov. He was also fascinated by the sounds of jazz, which influenced some of his later works. While he didn't found a school of composers, his distinctive style and masterful orchestration left a profound impact on later generations. His meticulous approach to scoring and his ability to create vivid sonic landscapes served as a model for many 20th-century composers.

Ravel's compositional style is characterised by its clarity, precision, and exquisite attention to detail. He possessed a remarkable ability to create shimmering orchestral textures and evocative soundscapes. His music is often marked by its elegance, refinement, and a subtle sense of irony. He was a master of orchestration, able to extract a vast range of colors and textures from the orchestra. While he embraced modern harmonic language, he remained rooted in classical forms, often employing traditional structures to create innovative and compelling musical narratives.

Ravel's major works include:

Orchestral works

  • Boléro
  • Daphnis et Chloé (ballet)
  • Pavane pour une infante défunte
  • La valse
  • Ma mère l'Oye (Mother Goose Suite)

Piano works

  • Gaspard de la nuit
  • Jeux d'eau
  • Sonatine
  • Miroirs

Chamber music

  • String Quartet in F major
  • Piano Trio

Operas

  • L'enfant et les sortilèges
  • L'heure espagnole