Ravel
Maurice
Ravel (1875-1937) is a French
composer whose life straddled the turn into the 20th century, and who was fairly
avant-garde at that time.
He studied at the Paris Conservatoire. Some of his music has been likened to
that of Debussy, other works are more
akin to Liszt, but above all, he was an
innovator. His music is noted for his use of unresolved dissonances, and his mastery of orchestral tone colour.
A fine example of Ravel's skills in orchestration is to be found in his score
for orchestra of Mussorgsky's piano
composition Pictures at an Exhibition.
Amongst his well-loved works are:-
- for the piano - Pavane pour un Infante Defunte, and La
Valse.
- for orchestra Bolero, his joyous Rapsodie Espagnole,
his neo-classical orchestral work Le Tombeau de Couperin.
- a ballet Daphnis et Chloe,.