The beautiful, quiet and sophisticated revolution of Maurice Ravel



I love the music of Maurice Ravel. And when you love something, I guess you try to spread your passion to others, in some way or another. In this case, that way is a conscious one: I have decided, through this post, to introduce you to the magnificent oeuvre of Ravel.

Maurice Ravel, like the rest of the so-called “realists”, Bartók and
Janáček, didn’t have urban origins -he was born in a small town called Ciboure. This location, placed in the French Basque country, determined Ravel’s unique musical discourse: a stylized, sophisticated amalgam of Hispanic and Gallic sonorities.

According to Alex Ross, Ravel’s first piano works “carried out a kind of velvet revolution, renewing the language of music without disturbing the peace”. Ravel was, then, a particular revolutionary –a quiet one. This single feature, in my opinion, acts a curse in disguise for his legacy. I strongly believe Ravel’s music has been unjustly underestimated. Although many remarkable composers cite him as an influence (Stravinsky, Messiaen, Copland, Piazzolla), with the exception of his Boléro, his music isn’t that frequently played in the orchestral circuit.


Nonetheless, that condition responds to his own nature. Ravel was known to be quite charming when in contact with others, but he also was a shy and lonely individual. His humble character didn’t allow him to have great ambitions for his music. Besides, he wasn’t particularly prolific. Notwithstanding, that same austerity injected such appealing glamour to his music.


Scholars and historians have often considered Ravel as the most pure French composer, a statement that stands on the French quality of his music, one that certainly inherits the three features of French culture: an elegant overall tone, plenty of graceful moments, and the superb clarity of his masterful orchestration (Leonard Bernstein once hailed Boléro as “the bible of orchestration”.
 And if you need to further prove Ravel's proficiency in outlining the orchestra's vocabulary, listen to Mussorgsky's Pictures at an exhibition, orchestrated by him.)

That splendid tone consists of his handling of texture, an extraordinary disposition of timbres that says a lot about his domain at the manipulation of the orchestra’s expressive resources. Throughout his catalog, a fine approach to harmony (indebted to Debussy), an ingenious treatment of texture (often attributed to Mussorgsky and Rimsky-Korsakov) and an acute sense to craft ingenious rhythmic structures (influenced by Stravinsky) is what make Ravel one of the freshest composers of the twentieth century.


There are several perks for getting close to Ravel’s music. First of all, his works, in contrast to many of his contemporaries’, aren’t particularly demanding. And second, his pieces are generally short and, above all, recipients of a high-level beauty.


Listen, for example, to little gems like Jeux d’eau, (played by the delicate and fine fingers of Martha Argerich); the elegiac Pavane for une infant défunte; the satiric La valse; glorious chamber works like the Piano trio; flamboyant suites like Le tombeau de Couperin; and, in case you have more time in your hands, his larger works like the ballet Ma mère l’Oye or his short opera L’enfant et les sortileges.


I really hope you get to delve into Ravel’s stylish constellation of notes. You will not be disappointed, rest assured; au contraire, I would even dare to affirm that you will end up like me: an obsessive fan of his music, making a compelling case to drag others into his marvelous musical world.

Comentarios

Anónimo dijo…
I've read some good stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how so much attempt you put to make this kind of excellent informative website.

Feel free to visit my page :: free email templates for outlook
Anónimo dijo…
This article came in a timely ! I can't believe it. I'd been searching online for Email Templates.
You did a fantastic job and yes i entirely agree that your template could make or break
your company. Good Job!

My website - Simply Click The Following Article
Anónimo dijo…
I savor, result in I found exactly what
I used to be having a look for. You have ended
my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day.
Bye

Feel free to surf to my blog http://www.supahtalent.com/blogs/14730/20019/email-templates-tips-to-improve
Anónimo dijo…
Informative article, just what I was looking for.

Also visit my web-site ... email templates html
Anónimo dijo…
I blog quite often and I seriously thank you for your information.

This great article has really peaked my interest.
I will bookmark your website and keep checking for new information about once a week.
I subscribed to your RSS feed too.

Here is my site - email wedding invitation templates
Anónimo dijo…
I think this is one of the most important information for me.

And i am glad reading your article. But wanna remark on few general things, The web site style is great,
the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers

Also visit my web page: Email Marketing Leads
Anónimo dijo…
We are a gaggle of volunteers and opening a brand new scheme in our community.
Your website offered us with helpful information to work on.
You've performed a formidable task and our entire group shall be grateful to you.

Have a look at my web page :: Email Campaign Templates
Anónimo dijo…
Thanks for the auspicious writeup. It in truth used to be a
enjoyment account it. Look advanced to far brought agreeable from you!
However, how could we keep in touch?

My web site gold engagement rings
Anónimo dijo…
Hello! Quick question that's completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My web site looks weird when viewing from my iphone 4. I'm trying to find a template or plugin
that might be able to resolve this issue. If you
have any recommendations, please share. Thanks!

my web page: http://healthyseniorlifestyle.com/groups/email-marketing-templates-tips-to-enhance-your-business/
Anónimo dijo…
It's a shame you don't have a donate button! I'd definitely donate to this outstanding blog! I suppose for now i'll settle for
book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
I look forward to new updates and will talk about this blog with my Facebook group.
Talk soon!

Look into my webpage ... email blast Templates
Anónimo dijo…
I am really thankful to the owner of this site who has shared this enormous post at here.


Feel free to visit my blog; holiday email templates
Anónimo dijo…
Thanks for the auspicious writeup. It if truth
be told was a entertainment account it. Look complicated to more brought agreeable from you!
However, how can we communicate?

Here is my blog - Mouse Click The Up Coming Post

Entradas populares