Introducing Maurice Ravel’s Famous and Representative Works
Maurice Ravel, one of the most important figures in Impressionist music.
His works are meticulously crafted down to the finest details, grounded firmly in classical forms while blending in Impressionist expression.
As a result, his music has a uniquely singular character that only he could create.
He also arranged works by other composers for orchestra, and his outstanding orchestration earned him the nicknames “genius of orchestration” and “magician of the orchestra.”
In this article, we introduce Ravel’s masterpieces and signature works.
Even if you’re not familiar with classical music, there are pieces you have probably heard somewhere at least once.
Enjoy the many wonderful masterpieces of Ravel!
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Maurice Ravel: Introducing Famous and Representative Works (61–70)
Gaspard de la nuit No. 3: ScarboMaurice Ravel
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.
Suite Ma mère l’Oye, No. 1: Pavane of the Sleeping BeautyMaurice Ravel
Maurice Ravel’s Ma mère l’Oye, composed by the French composer and based on the traditional English nursery tales of Mother Goose, was originally written for piano four hands.
Orchestral and ballet versions derived from it are also widely beloved.
The first piece of the suite, Pavane of the Sleeping Beauty, is based on the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty and evokes a mysterious feeling, as if drifting within a dream.
Aim to perform with a soft, rounded tone to create a delicate, gentle atmosphere.
Overture “In Spain”Maurice Ravel
Maurice Ravel, a composer of French Impressionist music, is a renowned figure alongside Satie and Debussy.
Ravel’s opera L’heure espagnole (The Spanish Hour) is a one-act work lasting less than an hour, characterized by strong comedic elements.
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.
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. 6: ToccataMaurice Ravel
Le Tombeau de Couperin, imbued with the misery of war and the preciousness of friendship, is a suite of six pieces composed by the French composer Maurice Ravel in memory of friends he lost in World War I.
The final piece, Toccata, combines the technical difficulty of repeated-note passages with emotional depth.
It begins in E minor in 2/4 time, modulates through different keys, and drives toward a grand climax.
It is a work that conveys the power and vigor of music.