[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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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. 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.
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. 3: ForlaneMaurice Ravel
The third piece from Maurice Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin, composed as a memorial to friends who died in World War I.
Each of the six movements was written in memory of a different person, and this third movement is dedicated to a lieutenant who was a Basque painter.
“Forlane” is a classical dance of North Italian origin, marked “somewhat lively” in tempo, yet the music exudes an elegant atmosphere.
Aim for a spirited performance by clearly articulating the dotted rhythms and grace notes that evoke the character of a dance.
Berceuse on the Name of FauréMaurice Ravel
Composed in 1922 at the request of a Parisian monthly music magazine for a special issue dedicated to composer Gabriel Fauré, Berceuse on the Name of Fauré was originally written for piano and violin.
The piece is built on a motif that replaces the twelve letters in Fauré’s name with corresponding musical notes.
A succession of unstable chords gives the feeling of being led into a mysterious world, which might throw you into a panic when sight-reading! However, it has a curious charm that somehow becomes comforting as you practice.
Let’s do our best to push through the challenges of reading the score.
In conclusion
From the piano works of the French composer Maurice Ravel—renowned for their beautiful, subtle, gradient-like nuances—we have introduced pieces that are relatively accessible and easier to tackle.
That said, Ravel’s works are generally demanding; even when the technical difficulty isn’t extreme, many pieces are challenging to read.
Start by taking your time with the score, and gradually familiarize yourself with Ravel’s pianistic style and sound world without rushing.
Once you truly master a piece and can play it with ease, those around you will surely be impressed.
Consider adding one to your repertoire.