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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- Rachmaninoff’s masterpieces. Recommended pieces by Rachmaninoff.
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[Maurice Ravel] Introducing Famous and Representative Works (81–90)
Three SongsMaurice Ravel
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.
Three Poems by Stéphane MallarméMaurice Ravel
A vocal work accompanied by woodwinds, piano, and string quartet.
It consists of three pieces: “Sighs,” “Vain Wish,” and “Leaping Out of the Jar in a Single Bound.” Mallarmé, a leading figure among 19th-century French Symbolist poets, exerted broad influence on musicians as well; Debussy also set “Sighs” and “Vain Wish” to music.
Song of the People of MadagascarMaurice Ravel
Composed in 1925–26.
At the request of Mrs.
Coolidge, an American who commissioned the work, Ravel accepted the specified instrumentation, resulting in a vocal piece accompanied by piano, flute, and cello.
He himself selected poems by Evariste Parny, an 18th-century poet born in the colonies, and set them to music.
The work consists of “N’Zang (Nandoav),” “Aoua! (Hey!),” and “Il est doux, il est bon (Rest—How Sweet It Is).” The poems, while exhibiting an exotic flavor, also embody sentiments opposed to colonial rule.
In conclusion
We’ve introduced some of Ravel’s masterpieces and signature works.
Were you able to feel his one-of-a-kind music born from meticulous detail and impressionistic expressiveness? Many of his solo piano pieces also exist in orchestral arrangements, so be sure to give those a listen as well.