In the oeuvre of Maurice Ravel (1875–1937), his song compositions are among the less prominent. This may be due to the fact that he never used stereotypical patterns, making it difficult to define a characteristic Ravel song. While music enthusiasts often appreciate predictable pieces, his works can nevertheless be categorized as either "folk songs" or "art songs." In setting folk songs to music, Ravel discovered a form of expression that conveyed his artistic message through a conscious closeness to the original.
In his early creative years of the 1890s, Ravel devoted himself to Corsican folk melodies, but later considered some of them insufficiently developed. Although characterized by simple harmonization and open fifths, two of these pieces found their way into the Cinq mélodies populaires grecques (Five Greek Popular Songs). The composer employed remarkable harmonic structures and modal keys, as in the works "Quel galant m'est comparable?" (How gallant is my equal?). and is recognizable in "Chanson des cueilleuses de lentisques." His refined creative touch lent the melodies a special expressiveness. More folk songs followed, including the Chants populaires of 1910, composed for a Moscow competition, among them the reconstructed Chanson écossaise.
Ravel harmonized Hebrew melodies for the soprano Alvina Alvi, including the liturgical Kaddish and the metrically structured L'énigme éternelle. His artistry reflected an agnostic worldview and mastered the balance between emotional expression and control. His songs explored both somber and light, playful moods, which is clearly evident in various cycles such as Histoires naturelles. Ravel didn't shy away from controversy, for example by omitting silent "e" sounds in his texts, which sparked lively debates.
Ravel's emotionally charged songs encompass a wide range of themes, from melancholic moods to joyful celebrations, as in Don Quichotte à Dulcinée. Through the use of various dance rhythms, he imbued his songs with a characteristic depth. From eerie dream sequences to celebratory toasts, Ravel's songs depict a complete cosmos.