Album insights
Maurice Ravel was born on March 7, 1875, in Ciboure, a small port town at the foot of the Pyrenees in the heart of the Basque Country. His father, a renowned engineer, was the first to pilot a gas-powered automobile. Although claimed to be Swiss due to his birthplace, his parents hailed from Savoy, a connection hinting at Sardinia. His mother, originally from the Basque Country and having lived in Spain for many years, sang Iberian folk songs to him as a child, an influence that would later prove significant in his music.
Ravel's parents moved to Paris shortly after his birth, where he began piano lessons at the age of seven. In 1889, he entered the Paris Conservatoire and received the Première Médaille in Piano in 1891, showcasing early skills in composition. His teacher, Gabriel Fauré, recognized Ravel's exceptional talent and encouraged his endeavors.
As part of the Paris Conservatoire, Ravel aspired to win the prestigious Prix de Rome. Despite participating in the competition five times, he only secured third place once. The ban he faced after his 1905 attempt caused a scandal, leading to the resignation of the Conservatoire's director, Théodore Dubois. By this point, Ravel had already composed renowned works such as the Pavane, Jeux d'eau, and his exquisite String Quartet, which only boosted his reputation.
When World War I broke out, Ravel endeavored to enlist in the military but faced rejection numerous times due to his short stature. Eventually, he was accepted as a truck driver for a year. In 1921, he purchased a house in Montford l’Armaury, where he entertained friends and colleagues with music and lavish dining. His perfectionism and attention to detail were hallmarks of his character, evident even in his personal life.
Post-war, Ravel embarked on tours across Europe as a conductor and performer of his own works. His 1928 journey to North America marked a significant success, including a meeting with George Gershwin, who requested lessons. Ravel declined, jokingly mentioning concerns about losing Gershwin's spontaneity.
After a taxi accident in 1933, signs of a neurological condition appeared, eventually leading to his death in 1937 due to aphasia. Despite his reserved and seemingly detached demeanor, Ravel's music exuded sensuality and emotion. He identified as a romantic at heart, emphasizing the emotional essence over technical prowess, aligning his approach more with intuitive, heartfelt music.
Ravel, a perfectionist in his craft, struggled with piano performance, yet left behind technically demanding pieces showcasing his genius. Works like "Pavane pour une infante défunte" and "Le Tombeau de Couperin" stand as enduring tributes to his meticulous musical craftsmanship.
Ravel's legacy endures through his masterpieces, each piece a reflection of his diverse inspirations and unique compositional genius. His dedication to musical artistry and innovation continues to inspire performers and audiences worldwide, illustrating his timeless significance in the realm of classical music.