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 recreated in this masterly biography, originally published during Ravel's centenary year of 1975. Written by Arbie Orenstein, widely considered the world's foremost Ravel scholar, this book remains the standard biography -- detailed, alert to the historical milieu and cultural background of Ravel's music, rich in quotations drawn from his letters and filled with information gathered in the author's many interviews with the composer's friends.
Mr. Orenstein provides an illuminating analysis of each of Ravel's works -- including several compositions, autographs, and sketches brought to light through the author's exhaustive research -- and a general discussion of Ravel's musical aesthetics and language. He includes as well 32 plates of illustrations and two invaluable appendixes: a complete catalogue of Ravel's works, and a discography of historical recordings made between 1912 and 1939.
"Highly recommended ... a worthy centenary tribute to both Ravel and his musical legacy." -- Choice
"If the concert-goer is looking for the one book on Ravel that would serve him best, this is probably it." -- Intermezzo

• 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.