[Easier Level] Ravel’s Piano Pieces | A curated selection of easier works you can play smoothly!
Maurice Ravel was a French composer who produced works across a wide range of genres, including solo piano pieces, piano concertos, operas, ballet music, and chamber music.
Known as an “Impressionist” composer who emphasized mood and atmosphere over dramatic elements, he is widely loved for his delicate and graceful style, as if translating a painting into music.
In this article, we introduce piano works by Ravel that are relatively accessible and easier to approach.
Ravel’s pieces are perfect for those who want to refine their delicate touch and expressive nuance.
By all means, start by trying the pieces that speak to your heart.
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[Easier Level] Ravel’s Piano Pieces | A Curated Selection of Easier, Light-to-Play Works (21–30)
Prelude (I) from Le Tombeau de CouperinMaurice Ravel
Le Tombeau de Couperin, a set of six pieces imbued with remembrance for acquaintances who perished in World War I.
The first piece, Prélude, is dedicated to Lieutenant Jacques Charlot, who arranged Maurice Ravel’s four-hand suite Ma mère l’Oye for solo piano.
Its light, animated character subtly evokes the atmosphere of Baroque and Classical preludes.
As you practice, try incorporating exercises that promote finger independence so the sound remains clear and steady at the brisk tempo, avoiding muddiness or stumbling.
An old-fashioned minuetMaurice Ravel
Menuet antique is a work Maurice Ravel wrote around the age of 20, before he had fully established his distinctive “Ravel-esque” style.
As the title suggests, it evokes a certain stately elegance reminiscent of Baroque music.
Although the score appears complex and may seem daunting at first glance, it is among the more approachable pieces within Ravel’s generally demanding oeuvre.
Despite being an early work, its meticulous craftsmanship and delicacy are quintessentially Ravel.
Don’t let yourself focus solely on chasing the notes; practice repeatedly and aim for a performance with poise and room to breathe.
In the style of BorodinMaurice Ravel
A refreshing waltz composed at the request of Alfredo Casella—a composer known for parody works of Richard Wagner and Claude Debussy and a friend of Maurice Ravel.
As the title “In the style of Borodin” suggests, it imitates the works of Alexander Borodin, one of the Russian Five.
With its clear, catchy melody, it’s easy on the ears; however, to play the left hand, which includes leaps while maintaining a lively tempo, you’ll need to practice precise note placement.
Build up your practice patiently at a slow tempo without rushing.
PreludeMaurice Ravel
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!
In the style of ChabrierMaurice Ravel
Maurice Ravel composed two pieces titled “in the style of”: À la manière de Borodine (In the Style of Borodin) and this À la manière de Chabrier (In the Style of Chabrier).
Both were written at the request of his friend Alfredo Casella.
Emmanuel Chabrier was a French composer known for his España (Spanish Rhapsody).
While À la manière de Chabrier may not display the same liveliness as España, it conveys Chabrier’s characteristic brightness.
Try to play it so that each note sparkles while making effective use of the pedal!
Le Tombeau de Couperin, No. 5: MenuetMaurice Ravel
Maurice Ravel composed Le Tombeau de Couperin as a memorial piece in remembrance of acquaintances who died in World War I.
The “Couperin” in the title refers to François Couperin, a French composer of the Baroque era; the work takes its name from Ravel’s use of Baroque forms exemplified by Couperin.
Consisting of six pieces, the work is by no means easy, but the fifth piece, “Menuet,” is set at a relaxed tempo and is comparatively less difficult, making it approachable.
Try playing it while imagining Ravel quietly reflecting on the departed.
Le Tombeau de Couperin No. 4: RigaudonMaurice Ravel
Maurice Ravel, who lost many acquaintances in World War I, composed Le Tombeau de Couperin as a tribute to them.
The fourth piece, Rigaudon, is dedicated to the Gaudin brothers, Ravel’s childhood friends, and employs the rhythm of the lively dance “rigaudon,” which originates from the Provence region.
Its brisk character, which seems to express joyful memories of his childhood companions, feels all the more poignant once you know the background of the work.
Try performing it while imagining Ravel’s feelings.