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Life and music
Ravel was a French composer, pianist and conductor, born in Ciboure and later based in Paris. His training included Gabriel Fauré, and pianist Ricardo Viñes became a friend and an important interpreter. Official competitions did not always reward him: after a prize in 1901, later Prix de Rome attempts failed. A private reading of Sémiramis in 1902 is documented through Viñes's diary, showing a less familiar part of his apprenticeship.
Explore contrasting textures through the 1913 Prelude, the melody and inner movement of the Pavane, and Jeux d’eau. La Valse offers another perspective in a solo-piano version. These works are listening destinations, not a required progression of lessons.
Sources
Where to start
- Prélude (1913)Level 5, estimatedWith Maestro
- Pavane pour une infante défunte, M. 19Level 7, estimatedWith Maestro
- Jeux d’eau, M. 30Level 9, estimatedWith Maestro
More pieces in the Music Room
At the dance floor
- À la manière de BorodineLevel 6, estimatedWith Maestro
- La Valse, solo piano versionLevel 10, estimatedWith Maestro
French piano colors
- Le Gibet, Gaspard de la nuit, IILevel 9, estimatedWith Maestro
More pieces
- À la manière de ChabrierLevel 7, estimatedWith Maestro
- Menuet sur le nom d'HaydnLevel 7, estimatedWith Maestro