Even as a young man, Ravel displayed traits reminiscent of the dandy from Baudelaire's works. He always maintained an impeccable appearance, liked to project an air of superiority, and loved to surprise others, while seemingly impervious to surprises himself. Alfred Cortot characterized him as aloof, sarcastic, and argumentative; he preferred intellectual circles.
In his piano compositions, Ravel consistently strove for uniqueness and avoided repetition. Although he was not considered an outstanding pianist, unlike some of his French contemporaries, this very fact opened up new possibilities for him in piano music, as he was not bound by classical traditions. His playing style did not always elicit enthusiasm, yet he consciously deviated from established paths, unlike some of his contemporaries.
Ravel's early works reflect his search for originality. For example, the "Sérénade grotesque" is characterized by its complexity and surprising rhythmic and harmonic shifts. The very title marks a departure from the traditional salon style. Chabrier and others influenced him, so his music often defied conventional norms.
While many of his contemporaries were oriented toward Wagner, Ravel rejected his influence and turned instead to Liszt. Works like "Jeux d'eau" testify to a new direction in piano music. Fantastical themes, which he realized in his own unique way, characterized his compositional style.
Pieces like "Miroirs" also demonstrate Ravel's innovative power and artistic independence by combining different moods and timbres in an unusual manner. Each of these works transports the listener to a completely unique acoustic world.
Collaborations with pianists like Ricardo Viñes had a profound impact on Ravel's work. His compositions, including "Pavane pour une infante défunte," were both praised and criticized, which, however, spurred him on to continue pursuing his individual path. Despite setbacks and difficulties, Ravel remained steadfast in his pursuit of artistic perfection and left a significant legacy to the music world.