Joseph-Maurice Ravel

Short biography Joseph-Maurice Ravel was born in Ciboure, France, in 1875 and died in Paris in 1937. He studied at the Paris Conservatoire from 1889 to 1895 and again from 1897 to 1903, where he studied composition with Gabriel Fauré. His career was marked by meticulous craftsmanship and a relatively small but highly refined output. He suffered from a degenerative brain condition in his later years that affected his ability to compose.

Historical placement Ravel was a major French composer of the early 20th century, often associated with Impressionism though he rejected this label. His music is characterized by exceptional orchestration, harmonic sophistication, and precise classical forms combined with modern harmonic language. He made significant contributions to orchestral literature and piano repertoire, influencing generations of composers through his masterful treatment of timbre and texture.

Personal connections Gabriel Fauré was his composition teacher at the Paris Conservatoire and remained an important mentor. He maintained a professional relationship with Claude Debussy, though they were often compared and contrasted by critics. Manuel de Falla was a close friend and musical colleague whom Ravel supported and collaborated with during Falla's time in Paris.

Important works
Pavane pour une infante défunte – Piano piece (1899)
Jeux d'eau – Piano piece (1901)
Miroirs – Piano suite (1905)
Gaspard de la nuit – Piano suite (1908)
Rapsodie espagnole – Orchestra (1907)
Ma mère l'Oye – Piano duet/Ballet (1910)
Daphnis et Chloé – Ballet (1912)
Le Tombeau de Couperin – Piano suite (1917)
La Valse – Orchestra (1920)
Boléro – Orchestra (1928)