Product Description

This Companion provides a comprehensive introduction to the life, music and compositional aesthetic of French composer Maurice Ravel (1875–1937). Leading international scholars offer a powerful reassessment of this most private and elusive musician, examining his work in detail within its cultural context. Supported by many music examples, the volume explores the full range of Ravel’s work - piano repertory, chamber works, orchestral music, ballets, songs and operas - and makes illuminating comparisons with the music of Couperin, Gounod, Chabrier and Debussy. The essays present the latest research focusing on topics such as Ravel’s exoticism and Spanishness and conclude by analysing the performance and reception of his music, including previously untranslated reviews. Marking the 125th anniversary of Ravel’s birth, the Companion as a whole aims to secure a solid foundation for Ravel studies in the twenty-first century and will appeal to all enthusiasts and students of his music.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #48305 in Books
• Published on: 2000-08-24
• Released on: 2008-08-21
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 312 pages

Review
‘… this is a welcome, timely and very carefully edited book. It includes a high proportion of successful essays …’. Nigel Simeone, The Musical Times

Customer Reviews

Perfect for anyone interested in Ravel
This is an excellent book that presents many different topics regarding Ravel's music with specific musical examples to illustrate many of the points raised. Each chapter is easy to read as it is divided into various sections with sub-headings; this also makes it easier to find something specific if needed. The book is also divided into three main sections: 'Culture and aesthetic', 'Musical Explorations' and 'Performance and reception' which provides a good framework and allows the reader to read about a specific area from a few different viewpoints. This is definately one of the best all-round books on Ravel that I have come across and I recommend it to anyone interested in Ravel and his music.