Ravel: Man and Musician

by Arbie Orenstein

Book Overview

"Ravel: Man and Musician is the first book to set the composer's entire oeuvre in its proper perspective ... a staggeringly well documented opus ... it cannot be matched for the invaluable particulars it provides." -- Patrick J. Smith, Editor, High Fidelity/Musical America
The music of Maurice Ravel is performed more today than that of any other French composer. His musical achievements as well as his life and times are brilliantly...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486266338
• ISBN13: 9780486266336
• Release Date: November 2011
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.86 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Comprehensive review of the composers life and his music.

Chronological overview of Ravel's life starting with his studies at the Paris Conservatory through his death. Includes complete list of all compositions and discussion of how he went about composing, from conception to sketch to revision and transcription. Interesting anecdotes flesh out his personality: Originally intended to be concert pianist (Faure advised against it, and was right!); did not support French boycott of Axis composers during WWI; highly supportive of young composers; told a young Toscanini he was conducting Bolero ridiculously fast; always the gentleman--accepted criticism constructively. Could use more discussion of Introduction & Allegro, relationship with Debussy, Satie, Vines.