Maurice Ravel
1875 - 1937

Maurice Ravel

Maurice Ravel was one of France's greatest composers, along with Claude Debussy.  He composed during the Impressionistic period.  Ravel was known for his melodic and tonal invention, and was a wizard at orchestration and composition.  This ability earned him a prominent place in music history.  He began piano lessons at the age of 7.  After he served in the French army during World War l, he began composing.   Many of his works have become masterpieces of the 20th century.    

Many of Ravel's compositions were influenced by American jazz, like his Concerto in G for Piano and Orchestra. (Click on its name to hear the first movement of this wonderful piece.)  Another famous work that was influenced by his fascination with Spain is the exciting piano piece, Alborado del Gracioso.

Being a brilliant pianist allowed Ravel to write some of the most beautiful and difficult piano music ever written.  One of these pieces is Ondine from Gaspard De La Nuit.