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 (41–50)
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.
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!
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.
Gaspard de la nuit, No. 3: ScarboMaurice Ravel
Among Ravel’s works, the piece said to boast one of the highest levels of difficulty is “Gaspard de la nuit, No.
3: Scarbo.” Although Ravel pioneered avant-garde expression, his individuality is on full display here as well: amid a barrage of rapid passages and demanding octaves, the performer must still achieve refined nuances.
In terms of sheer technical difficulty, it may be outmatched by some other formidable pieces; however, if you are playing at the limits of your ability, shaping the fine details becomes exceedingly challenging.
If you are confident in your expressive powers, by all means give it a try.
Daphnis and Chloe, Suite No. 2Maurice Ravel
This piece is often performed as a free-choice selection in competitions.
It features a distinctly classical atmosphere characteristic of opera, with the gently paced, dreamlike “Dawn” and the dazzling “General Dance,” in which the gods bless the lovers Daphnis and Chloé, being especially popular.
Sonatine in F-sharp minor, M. 40 — I. ModeratoMaurice Ravel
A work by Maurice Ravel in which a delicate, glass-like beauty gleams within the plaintive resonance of F-sharp minor.
Woven with rich harmonies within a classical framework, the piece achieves an exquisite balance between quiet melody and intricate ornamentation, revealing Ravel’s perfectionist side.
Officially published in November 1905, it was later choreographed as a ballet as well, allowing its fragile musical world to be expressed in various forms.
With a character that seems to console a sorrowful heart, it’s recommended for moments when you wish to gaze quietly at your innermost feelings.
You might also find it rewarding to surrender yourself to its architectural beauty.
Little Boat on the Ocean from the Suite ‘Mirrors’Maurice Ravel
How about a cool piece by Maurice Ravel that you’ll want to listen to on a hot day? It’s the third piece from the piano suite Miroirs, published in Paris in 1906 and dedicated to the painter Paul Sordes.
You can picture a small boat gently drifting across a vast sea, and just listening to it feels cleansing for the soul.
The work’s charm lies in its depiction of water through shimmering arpeggios.
They evoke the glinting, rippling surface under light and the deep ocean’s calm, with an expressive range that hardly seems possible from a single piano.
The meter changes 36 times over 140 measures, deftly capturing the ceaseless motion of the waves.
If you’d like to cool off with beautiful sonorities, or if you’re a fan of Impressionist music, you’ll surely enjoy it.
It might also be nice to listen to it alongside the other pieces in the Miroirs suite.