Pavane for a Dead PrincessMaurice Ravel1rank/position

Ravel – Pavane for a Dead Princess, Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic, 1985

A signature work by Maurice Ravel in which quiet elegance melds with distant nostalgia.

Composed in 1899 as a solo piano piece and premiered in Paris in April 1902, it is said to have been inspired by the image of a young princess dancing at the Spanish court.

Though suffused with sadness, it never becomes heavy; its restrained beauty is part of its appeal.

Ravel later arranged the piece for orchestra himself, adding the horn’s gentle melody and the harp’s delicate hues, which gave the work a more expansive sonority.

Featured in numerous films, including Porco Rosso and Birdman, it has long provided a quiet backdrop for scenes of parting and remembrance.

It is an ideal choice for solemn yet warm occasions, such as processions of graduates or diploma presentations.

Play of WaterMaurice Ravel2rank/position

[High-Quality Audio] Ravel: Jeux d’eau (Fountains)

Are you familiar with a solo piano piece that condenses the aesthetic of French modern music—a work like a fountain of sound? Composed by Maurice Ravel, known for his meticulous sound design, and completed in 1901, this piece is a significant work representing his early period.

It premiered in April 1902, performed by Ricardo Viñes, and was dedicated to his teacher, Gabriel Fauré.

It is sometimes used in dramas and anime, and its transparent melodies continue to captivate many listeners.

The sparkling high notes, as if water were at play, and the flowing arpeggios make it perfect as background music for study sessions when you want to clear your head, or when you want to focus on your work.

Its charm lies in how you can relax while feeling the pleasant undulation of water.

Pavane for a Dead QueenMaurice Ravel3rank/position

Ravel: Pavane for a Dead Princess

Maurice Ravel, one of France’s quintessential composers known for his delicate music, created Pavane for a Dead Princess, a masterpiece that guides listeners into a gentle passage of time.

With its warm, translucent melody, the piece unfolds like a watercolor painting.

Since its premiere in 1902, it has remained beloved by piano enthusiasts around the world.

The melody spun from a single piano in quietude offers a moment to forget the busyness of daily life.

Take a listen on a night when you need a breather, or during a calm morning.

Sonatine in F-sharp minor, M. 40 — I. ModeratoMaurice Ravel4rank/position

Sonatina, M. 40: I. Moderato

A work by Maurice Ravel in which a delicate, glass-like beauty gleams within the plaintive resonance of F-sharp minor.

Woven with rich harmonies within a classical framework, the piece achieves an exquisite balance between quiet melody and intricate ornamentation, revealing Ravel’s perfectionist side.

Officially published in November 1905, it was later choreographed as a ballet as well, allowing its fragile musical world to be expressed in various forms.

With a character that seems to console a sorrowful heart, it’s recommended for moments when you wish to gaze quietly at your innermost feelings.

You might also find it rewarding to surrender yourself to its architectural beauty.

Gaspard de la nuit, No. 3: ScarboMaurice Ravel5rank/position

Ravel – Gaspard de la nuit – François 1958

Gaspard de la nuit, a piano suite composed in 1908 by Maurice Ravel, one of France’s foremost composers.

The third piece, Scarbo, is a virtuosic work depicting the vibrant figure of a mischievous imp that appears in the darkness of night.

In Samson François’s performance, a dynamic tone evocative of an orchestral sonority and a delicate touch fully convey the piece’s charm, interweaving humor and fantasy.

It is a superb rendition that I highly recommend not only to pianists who possess both advanced technique and musicality, but also to anyone who wishes to savor the profound depths of Ravel’s music.

Minuet on the Name of HaydnMaurice Ravel6rank/position

Minuet on the Name of Haydn, M. 58

Minuet on the Name of Haydn, composed in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Franz Joseph Haydn’s death.

This piece is a short piano work contributed by Maurice Ravel for a special feature organized by a music magazine of the time.

The phrase “on the name of Haydn” in the title means that Haydn’s name is converted into musical notes and used as the theme.

Though the method is playful, the piece itself is old-fashioned and refined, employing the minuet form.

Within its brief duration of about two minutes, it is packed with Ravel’s characteristically sophisticated sonorities.

Its quiet, intellectual atmosphere will gently accompany times that demand concentration, such as reading or studying.

The Fairy Garden, No. 5 from the suite “Ma mère l’Oye”Maurice Ravel7rank/position

M. Ravel – 5. Le jardin féerique – Ma Mère l’Oye

The world of timbres woven by four hands shines even more beautifully in Maurice Ravel’s works for piano four hands.

Premiered in Paris in April 1910, this fairy-tale-themed suite was written for children yet conceals profound musicality.

Its graceful triple-meter waltz unfolds a fantastical atmosphere, captivating listeners with the rich sonority and expressive power unique to piano duet.

Amid the majestic and beautiful melodies, passages evoke the delicate colors of harp and celesta, offering the sensation of being led into a dreamlike realm.

While synchronizing breath and timing with a duet partner can be challenging, the joy of achieving a unified performance is unparalleled.

This is a highly recommended piece for those who wish to fully savor the essence of piano four-hand playing.