Joseph Maurice Ravel(Ravel) (1875-1937) - French composer. His creative discoveries in the field musical language(harmony, rhythm, orchestration) contributed to the development of new stylistic trends in music of the 20th century. Opera “The Spanish Hour” (1907), opera-ballet “The Child and Magic” (1925); ballet Daphnis and Chloe (1912); “Spanish Rhapsody” (1907), “Bolero” (1928) for orchestra, concert fantasy “Gypsy” for violin and piano (1924), piano pieces, including “The Play of Water” (1901), cycle “Reflections” (1905). Orchestrated “Pictures at an Exhibition” by Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky (1922).

Early creativity

Insanity is the repetition of the same action.

Ravel Maurice

Maurice Ravel is born March 7, 1875, in Cibourg, France, in a mixed Swiss-Basque family, grew up and was brought up in Paris. In 1889-95 and 1897-1905 he studied at the Paris Conservatory, where his composition teacher was Gabriel Fauré, one of the leading French composers of the time, author of the popular Requiem and elegant vocal and piano miniatures. By the early 1900s, Ravel had gained recognition as an outstanding master small form. The piano piece “Pavane of the Deceased Infante” (1899) brought him popularity. This example of delicate nostalgic lyrics, with all the originality of its harmonic language, is still marked by the influence of Fauré. A new word in piano music became “Water Games” (1901), decorative passages of small notes and subtle differentiation of textured planes, anticipating the mature piano style of Claude Debussy. Apart from early works Maurice Ravel's String Quartet (1903), stylistically close to Debussy's earlier Quartet, but distinguished by its large scale and powerful, brilliant, almost orchestral sound.

Freelance artist

In 1900-1905, M. Ravel participated several times in the competition for the most honorable prize for young French composers, the Prix de Rome, but was not successful. Leaving the conservatory, he chose a career as a free artist. The years from 1905 to the mid-1910s were the most fruitful in his creative life. In parallel with Debussy and independently of him, Ravel developed the principles of musical impressionism (he even accused his senior colleague of appropriating some of his ideas). Ravel shared with Debussy such features of impressionist writing as the primacy of modality over tonality and a freely unfolding melodic line over purposeful harmonic development, the predominance of light color and pure orchestral colors. Like Debussy, Ravel had a special passion for the timbres of the flute, harp, muted trumpet, and divided strings. At the same time, Ravel, to a greater extent than Debussy, was inclined to a broad virtuoso gesture (especially in some pieces of the piano cycles “Mirrors”, 1905, and “Gaspard of the Night”, 1908) and to clearly defined architectonic forms.

Maurice Ravel was born on March 7, 1875 in the city of Cibourg in the south of France (now the Pyrenees-Atlantiques department). In 1882 he began studying piano with A. Guise, and from 1887 he studied harmony with C. Rene. The city of Sibur was located on the very border with Spain, where at that time his father was serving as a travel engineer, a passionate lover of music, who instilled this love in his son. In 1889, Ravel entered the Paris Conservatory, where he graduated in piano. The young musician received a lot of help from his teacher Charles Berno, a famous pianist of that time. However, Ravel developed an interest in improvisation and composition after becoming acquainted with the work of the “underground” founder of musical impressionism and simply extravagant composer Erik Satie, as well as a personal meeting with another composer and pianist Ricardo Vines. It was after this that Maurice developed a passion for writing. Twenty and thirty years later, despite difficult personal relationships, Ravel repeatedly emphasized how much in his work he owed to Satie and called him nothing less than his “Forerunner” (or Precursor).

On last year training he ended up in the class of a major French composer Gabriel Faure. On his initiative, Ravel composed a cycle of works to Spanish melodies - “Habanera”, “Pavane for the Death of the Infanta”, “Antique Minuet”. After graduation, he wrote many essays during the period 1900-1914.

When you listen to the music of this composer, you get the impression that you are watching the work of an artist creating his canvas. However, like most composers, Maurice Ravel's work was not recognized for some time. Only after speeches in his defense by the largest cultural figures of France, R. Roland and G. Faure, Ravel was awarded the Grand Prix of Rome. This allowed him to go on a three-year internship in Italy.

During the First World War, Maurice worked as a truck driver at an airfield. After serving for more than a year, Ravel was demobilized after two serious wounds. After the war, the emotional element began to predominate in Ravel's music. Therefore, from composing operas, he moves on to creating instrumental plays and writes the suite “Tomb of Couperin”. Around the same time, Maurice Ravel met the famous Russian producer and director S. Diaghilev, who was staging “Russian Seasons” in Paris. Specially for his order, the ballet “Daphnis and Chloe” to the music of Ravel is staged, in the main role - V. Nijinsky, the great Russian dancer. Then another ballet, “Waltz,” will be staged. After the premiere, the work began to be used as separate work. The time is coming for the dawn of Maurice Ravel's fame.

However, popularity and fame oppress the composer, and he moves from Paris to the town of Montfort-Lamorie, which, in principle, does not mean a renunciation of further musical activity.

Ravel tours a lot: he performs on tours in Italy, Holland and England. And everywhere he was met with an enthusiastic reception from grateful admirers. Commissioned by the Russian conductor S. Koussevitzky, Ravel performs a brilliant orchestration of “Pictures at an Exhibition” by M. P. Mussorgsky. All this happens while Maurice is working on his most famous work, Bolero. In it, the composer tried to combine classical traditions with the rhythms of Spanish music. The idea of ​​this work belongs to the famous ballerina Ida Rubinstein.

Co-arrangement of parts, their strict sequence in development main topic allowed us to convey the dance element of Spanish music. The famous Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova included “Bolero” in her repertoire. In 1925, M. Ravel completed work on the innovative work “The Child and Miracles (Magic).” It was called an opera-ballet. Along with traditional instruments, during the performance of this work, the composer’s instrument, the eliophone, skillfully imitating gusts of wind, was heard for the first time.

In 1932, Ravel again tours Europe with the outstanding pianist Margarita Long. At the same time, he began work on a new work - the ballet “Joan of Arc”. However, he got into a car accident and the work stopped. Since 1933, Ravel suffered from a serious neurological disease, which was possibly a consequence of a traumatic brain injury, which he received in a car accident. The last work seriously ill composer was “Three Songs” for the first sound film “Don Quixote”. They were written for the Russian singer F.I. Chaliapin.

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French impressionist composer Maurice Ravel, one of the representatives of the world musical culture first half of the twentieth century.

Joseph Maurice Ravel was born on March 7, 1875 in the southern part of France, in the small town of Cibourg. Musical ability Ravel's skills were discovered in early childhood, and already at the age of seven he was playing the piano. And in 1889 he entered the preparatory piano class at the Paris Conservatory.

While studying at the conservatory, Maurice wrote several works, such as: “Ancient Minuet” and the piano “Pavane for the Death of the Infanta”. There he also meets the Spanish pianist R. Vines, who is the first to perform his works.

In 1901 he makes an attempt to win the Rome Prize, but fails. New attempts in 1902 and 1903 to participate in the competition also turned out to be unsuccessful.

Since 1905, Ravel Maurice has become widely known in Paris as an innovative musician. His fame is growing every day, his compositions are being performed in great demand. And despite the defeat in Rome, the composer feels like a winner in the eyes of the musical and intellectual society.

Artist high culture, Ravel paid special attention French literature (both classical and modern) and painting (he was interested in the Impressionists). He showed great interest in folklore (French, Spanish, etc.). Spanish themes occupy a significant place in his work (Ravel’s mother is of Spanish-Basque origin).

Ravel gave concerts as a pianist and conductor, performing mainly his own works (in the 20s he performed concert tour in Europe and North America), presented musical and critical articles.

During World War I, 1914-1918, he volunteered to join the active army. The war brought to life deeply dramatic works Ravel, including a piano concerto for the left hand, written at the request of the Austrian pianist P. Wittgepstein, who lost his right hand at the front; He dedicated the piano suite “Tomb of Couperin” (1917) to his dead friends.

At the same time, neoclassical tendencies appeared in a number of works. Ravel’s work presents a variety of genres: “Rhapsody Espagnole” (1907), “Waltz” (1920), as well as “Bolero” (1928) for orchestra - one of the peaks of French symphonism of the 20th century, the opera “The Spanish Hour” (1907) , the opera-ballet “The Child and the Magic” (1925), etc. Ravel is subject to the elements of dance rhythms of different times, which is reflected in his “dance” works - the ballet (choreography, symphony) “Daphnis and Chloe” (on a libretto by M. M. Fokina, 1912), “Bolero”,

“Noble and Sentimental Waltzes” (for piano, 1911), etc., as well as in such works as the Sonata for Violin and Piano (2nd part - blues), the opera “The Child and the Magic” (foxtrot of the Teapot and the Cup) and etc. Ravel’s creativity and discoveries in the field of harmony, rhythm, mode, orchestration led to new stylistic trends in musical art 20th century

In 1933, the composer got into a car accident and developed a brain tumor as a result of the injury. Due to his progressive illness, Maurice ceases his creative activity.

In 1937, he underwent a complex operation, but the operation was unsuccessful and the composer died at the age of 62. He was buried in the suburbs of Paris in the Levallois-Perret cemetery.

French impressionist composer Maurice Ravel is one of the representatives of world musical culture of the first half of the twentieth century.

Joseph Maurice Ravel was born on March 7, 1875 in the southern part of France, in the small town of Cibourg. Ravel's musical abilities were discovered in early childhood, and at the age of seven he began playing the piano. In order for the future composer to practice more on the piano, his parents “bribed” Maurice, paying 6 sous for each hour of practice. Perhaps it was precisely thanks to these parental tricks that in 1889 Maurice entered the preparatory piano class at the Paris Conservatory.

While studying at the conservatory, Maurice wrote several works, such as “Ancient Minuet” and the piano “Pavane for the Death of the Infanta.” There he also meets the Spanish pianist R. Vines, who is the first to perform his works.

In 1901, Ravel attempted to win the Prix de Rome, but failed. Participation in the competition in 1902 and 1903 was also unsuccessful.

Since 1905, Maurice Ravel has become widely known in Paris as an innovative musician. His fame is growing every day, his compositions are performed everywhere. And despite the defeat in Rome, the composer feels like a winner in the eyes of the musical and intellectual society.

Over the next few years, Ravel travels around Europe and North America, where he performs as a pianist, performing his works.

During the First World War (1914 - 1918), Maurice becomes a volunteer in the active army. In 1917, in memory of dead friends composes the piano suite “Tomb of Couperin”.

Since 1928 he has been touring the USA.

The most significant works with which Maurice Ravel performs are: the operas “The Spanish Hour”, “The Child and Miracles”; ballets “Daphnis and Chloe”, “Gaspard by Night”; poem "Waltz".

In 1933, the composer was involved in a car accident, and as a result of the injury he developed a brain tumor. Due to his progressive illness, Maurice ceases his creative activity.

In 1937, he underwent a complex operation, but it was unsuccessful, and the composer died at the age of 62.

Ravel was buried in the suburbs of Paris in the Levallois-Perret cemetery.

Today, Maurice Ravel is the most financially successful composer France has ever produced. His music still generates several million dollars a year in royalties.

Jazz musicians Gil Evans and Miles Davis called M. Ravel's “Piano Concerto in G Major” performed by A. B. Michelangeli (recorded in 1957) one of their favorite musical works.

Ravel composed his famous piano concerto in D major for the left hand on behalf of Pavel Wittgenstein, an Austrian pianist who lost his right hand during the First World War. Unfortunately, Wittgenstein did not like the final composition and only changed his mind about it after Ravel's death. The work, however, has since become a staple of his concert repertoire.

Ravel composed two piano concertos simultaneously, starting in 1929 and finishing both within two years. But what is even more remarkable is that these two concerts are completely contrasting in style and mood.

Major works of Maurice Ravel:

• "Ancient Minuet"
• "Pavane for the Death of the Infanta"
• "Spanish Hour"
• "Night Gaspard"
• "Daphnis and Chloe"
• "Couperin's Grave"
• "Child and Miracles"

Joseph Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) was a French conductor and impressionist composer, considered one of the most influential reformers and figures in the music of the twentieth century. His most famous composition is “Bolero”.

Childhood

Maurice was born in the south of France, almost near the border with Spain, in the small town of Cibourg (now part of the Pyrenees-Atlantiques department). This happened on March 7, 1875.

His dad was a very talented engineer and inventor; at the time of his son’s birth, he worked as a railway engineer. My father even worked on improving the internal combustion engine. Despite his unique technical abilities, dad was a passionate music lover and played the piano excellently. WITH early childhood He also instilled a love of music in his little son.

Mom belonged to an old Basque family, she was an amazing storyteller.
Soon after their son was born, the Ravel family left for Paris. At the age of six, the boy was hired as a teacher, Henri Guise, who systematically conducted classes with Maurice and taught him to play the piano. Since 1887, the child studied with another teacher, Charles Rene, who taught him the basics of harmony.
At the age of twelve, Ravel first composed piece of music- variation on a theme by Schumann.

Studies

In 1889, Maurice began studying piano at the Paris Conservatory. At first his teacher was S. Antioma. Then the famous French pianist and composer Charles de Berio provided great assistance to the young musician.

Ravel's talent as a composer showed itself more and more often, but he developed a special interest in composing musical compositions and improvisation after he became acquainted with the work of Erik Satie. This composer was distinguished by his extravagance and was considered the “underground” founder of impressionism in music. Many years later, despite the complexity of personal relationships, Maurice spoke of Sati as his “Forerunner” and stated that he owed much of his creative success to him.

Ravel was also greatly influenced by his personal acquaintance with the Spanish composer and pianist Ricardo Vines. After their meeting, Maurice developed an uncontrollable passion for writing music.

In his last year of study, he studied in the class of the great French teacher and composer Gabriel Fauré. It was from the teacher that the idea came for Maurice to compose a cycle of musical compositions based on Spanish melodies:

• "Habanera";
• "Ancient Minuet";
• "Pavane for the Death of the Infanta."

After this, the theme of Spain occupied great place in the works of Ravel. After graduating educational institution, from 1900 to 1914, he wrote many works based on Spanish themes, among which “The Spanish Rhapsody” (its premiere was a stunning success) and the humorous and witty opera “The Spanish Hour” were especially popular.

Maurice studied composition until 1905. In addition to music, the young composer paid a lot of attention to the study of modern and classical French literature. He was also very interested in painting.

Scandal around the Rome Prize

Maurice's work was not recognized for a long time among professional academic circles. This is not surprising: this fate befell almost all innovators.

For three years in a row (1901, 1902, 1903) Maurice took part in the competition for the famous Prix de Rome. And each time he had to be content with the “Small Roman Prize”. In 1901, Ravel was surpassed by André Caplet. In 1902, the main prize went to Aimé Kunz (a student of the French professor and composer Charles Leneuve). In 1903, again Lenev's ward Raoul Laparra won the competition against Maurice.
In 1904, Ravel missed the competition; he deliberately abstained in order to gain strength for the last attempt.

1905 was the last year when he could take part in the competition. Because the age limit for prize applicants was set at thirty years. Ravel was approaching this age very closely and could no longer qualify for a prize in the future. He applied to the competition organizers for the last time to allow him to participate, but was refused. Age restrictions were cited as the reason. In fact, the jury members were irritated by his “anti-musical and destructive activities.” By that time, his vibrant works, filled with impressionist aesthetics, were famous in Paris. The innovative musician has already performed his famous “Water Game” many times.

A storm of indignation erupted in the music world, followed by a wave of protests. And when it turned out that all the prize applicants admitted to the competition were Lenev’s wards, the jury was accused of corruption. The music press declared the jury's cynicism unprecedented, and the decision of the biased judges shameful.

Maurice himself reacted calmly to the incident and did not comment on this matter. The public outcry was so widespread that the scandal served Ravel well, and his popularity and authority began to rise sharply.

The scandal drew a strict line in Maurice’s work; he finally broke with the conservatory. He was not allowed to compete, but for all public and musical world he came out victorious. All attention was focused on Ravel, his works were performed at concerts and published in great demand, and people constantly argued and talked about the musician. Thus, Maurice became the second leader in musical impressionism and reached the same level as Claude Debussy.

War

With the outbreak of the First World War, Maurice decided to join the ranks of the active army. The composer's health was satisfactory, but members of the medical commission rejected him and did not accept him into any branch of the military. Ravel was too short, and as a result, he did not have enough weight for a soldier and did not fit any army standards.

The composer used all his acquaintances and connections and for three months persistently sought to be accepted into the active army. He dreamed of becoming a pilot. In the fall of 1914, he was accepted as a volunteer into the automobile division.

A little more three years he served as a truck and ambulance driver, first in ground forces, then was transferred to an aviation regiment. The service sharply undermined his health; Maurice suffered frostbite in his legs, which caused severe nervous exhaustion. At the beginning of 1918 he was discharged due to illness.

Post-war creativity

Serving in the active army changed spiritual world composer, his post-war music became more emotional. He composed operas less and less, and created instrumental plays more and more. His work of that time, “The Tomb of Couperin,” is widely known. He dedicated this piano suite to his friends who died at the front.

Soon the famous Russian director and producer Sergei Diaghilev arrived in Paris; he was going to stage “Russian Seasons” in the French capital. Maurice met him. The composer wrote the music for the ballet Daphnis and Chloe, in which the main role was performed by the great Russian dancer Vaslav Nijinsky.

This was followed by the ballet "Waltz". After grandiose premieres, Maurice's ballet works began to be used as separate musical compositions. The period of its heyday and glory has begun.

Despite his popularity, the composer was at times depressed. After his mother died in 1917, he could not be in parental apartment in Paris. In addition, my health began to deteriorate even more. He traveled a lot, went to Spain and Switzerland. Then, with the help of friends, he bought a house 50 km from Paris in the town of Montfort-Lamorie.

In the 1920s, Maurice began to actively tour; he went on tour to England, Holland and Italy. Grateful admirers of his talent everywhere gave Maurice an enthusiastic welcome.

The Russian conductor Koussevitzky commissioned Ravel to orchestrate Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition. While working on this order, Maurice simultaneously continued to work on the main composition of his life - “Bolero”. The idea for this ballet was suggested to him by the famous ballerina Ida Rubinstein. In it, the composer combined Spanish rhythms with traditional classics. The great Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova included “Bolero” in her repertoire.

In 1925, Europe heard his new work - the opera-ballet “The Child and Miracles (Magic).”

In 1929, Oxford University awarded Ravel the honorary title of Doctor of Music.

In 1932 he composed his famous piano concerto for the left hand. Maurice was asked about this by a pianist from Austria, who lost his right hand. In the same year, Ravel made another grand European tour, in which he was accompanied by the outstanding pianist Margarita Long.

Returning from the tour, Maurice conceived a new composition - the ballet “Joan of Arc”. He began working on it, but in 1933 he was in a car accident, and the ballet remained unfinished. In the accident, Maurice received a severe traumatic brain injury, which caused a severe neurological disease.

Already seriously ill, Ravel wrote his last work, “Three Songs of Don Quixote by Dulcinea.” Initially, the music was intended for the first sound film, but the company that was supposed to make it went bankrupt. Ravel wrote “Three Songs” specifically for the Russian singer Fyodor Chaliapin.

Death

Maurice was forced to stop his musical activity, as his brain tumor began to progress, his speech was impaired. The doctors insisted on the operation, and Ravel agreed. But Maurice could not stand the surgical intervention. He died on December 28, 1937. The composer was buried in the Paris suburb of Levallois-Perret.