Maurice Ravel Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Violin SonataMaurice Ravel64rank/position

Maurice Ravel – Violin Sonata No.2

Composed between 1922 and 1927.

Dedicated to the close female violinist Hélène Jourdan-Morhange.

However, as she was unable to perform due to rheumatism, the premiere featured George Enescu as the soloist, with Ravel himself on piano.

Structured in three movements: following the “Allegretto,” the “Blues” incorporates elements inspired by American jazz and blues.

It concludes with “Perpetuum mobile.”

Three SongsMaurice Ravel65rank/position

Maurice Ravel: Trois Chansons; Monteverdi Choir, J E Gardiner

A work for unaccompanied mixed chorus.

It consists of “Nicolette,” “Three Beautiful Birds of Paradise,” and “Ronde.” Composed in 1914–15, with texts by Ravel himself.

In “Three Beautiful Birds of Paradise,” the three birds are blue, white, and red—the colors of the French flag—reflecting lyrics written out of concern for the nation during World War I.

In “Ronde,” the lyrics frequently mention the names of fairies and witches.

PreludeMaurice Ravel66rank/position

Ravel / Prelude / Performed by Aiko Okamoto

The Prelude is known for its unusual backstory: it was composed for a sight-reading examination at the Paris Conservatoire.

The Conservatoire is the alma mater of Maurice Ravel, and it’s said that his 14 years studying there alongside renowned composers such as Erik Satie had a profound impact on his career as a composer.

Although this piece is a short work of only 27 measures, its rapid key changes and frequent accidentals make the reading quite challenging.

Once you get past that hurdle, the overall character is relaxed and not technically difficult, so be patient and persistent in your score study—don’t let the reading trip you up!

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yuri

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Boléro with Japanese musical instruments and Nihon buyō (Japanese classical dance)Maurice Ravel67rank/position

Bolero with Traditional Japanese Instruments and Nihon Buyo — Bolero - Wagakki - Time Ticks

It is a masterpiece whose unique structure begins quietly and gradually builds in intensity.

With traditional Japanese instruments—such as koto, shakuhachi, and taiko—and Japanese dance, it offers a new interpretation of Maurice Ravel’s Boléro.

The repeated rhythms and melodies express the passage of time and changes within the human spirit, embodying the theme of the phoenix’s rebirth.

Since its premiere in December 2021, it has continued to captivate many people, surpassing 100,000 views on YouTube.

Highly recommended for those interested in the fusion of classical music and traditional Japanese performing arts.

Gaspard de la nuit, No. 1: OndineMaurice Ravel68rank/position

Gaspard de la nuit, M. 55: I. Ondine

If you’re well-versed in French literature, seeing the title “Gaspard de la nuit” might call to mind the poetry collection by Louis Bertrand, born in 19th-century France.

What we’re discussing here, however, is Maurice Ravel’s suite for solo piano, a work of the same name inspired by three poems from Bertrand’s collection.

The suite consists of three pieces, and today we’re introducing the first: “Ondine.” “Ondine” is the name of the water spirit among the four classical elements; in Japanese, the name “Undine” may be more familiar.

When it comes to Ravel’s water-themed piano works, “Jeux d’eau” often comes to mind, but “Ondine” is a piece you should absolutely know as well.

It depicts the story of Ondine, who falls in love with a human, and—with Ravel’s characteristically sophisticated technique—delicately yet dramatically conveys both the emotions of the heartbroken spirit and the image of driving rain.

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KOH-1

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Gaspard de la nuit, No. 3: ScarboMaurice Ravel69rank/position

Nobuyuki Tsujii – Ravel: Scarbo

The masterpiece Gaspard de la nuit by the great French composer Maurice Ravel is an exquisitely beautiful work based on three poems.

I believe its difficulty lies above all in expression.

Of course, it is also technically demanding; in particular, the third piece, Scarbo, requires a level of virtuosity that Ravel himself said surpassed Balakirev’s Islamey.

But beyond that, simply playing the notes does not make it true music—you must perform it with a firm understanding of the work’s deeper intent.

It is therefore a piece of exceptionally high difficulty if you aim to sustain a high level of expressiveness while playing.

It also readily reflects the individual characteristics of each performer, so I encourage you to compare multiple interpretations.

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Ryo

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Gaspard de la nuit No. 3: ScarboMaurice Ravel70rank/position

Ravel Scarbo (from Gaspard de la nuit)

This piece, whose title evokes meanings like demon and mischievous fairy, features an eerie melody that races about at high speed, giving the impression of tiny devils freely floating around.

It is a work that exudes a sense of uncanny mystery, and performing it demands extraordinary virtuosity.