Maurice Ravel

Date of Birth: March 7, 1875

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: December 28, 1937

Biography

Maurice Ravel was a French composer, pianist, and conductor, born on March 7, 1875, in Ciboure, France, near the Spanish border. Ravel is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in French impressionist music, though he often rejected the label. He showed an early aptitude for music and began studying piano at the Paris Conservatoire at the age of 14. Although his academic career was not without its challenges, including several failed attempts to win the prestigious Prix de Rome, Ravel’s unique compositional voice began to emerge during these formative years. Ravel’s works are known for their rich orchestration, textural intricacy, and innovative harmonies. Some of his most famous compositions include “Boléro,” “Daphnis et Chloé,” and “Pavane pour une infante défunte.” He also contributed significantly to the piano repertoire with pieces such as “Gaspard de la nuit” and “Miroirs.” Despite his relatively small output, Ravel’s influence on 20th-century music is profound. He was a meticulous craftsman, often laboring over his compositions for years. Ravel’s music has been described as a bridge between the Romantic and modern eras, seamlessly blending traditional forms with novel harmonic and rhythmic elements. Ravel never married and had no children. He lived a relatively private life, focusing intensely on his music. In later years, he suffered from a neurological disorder, possibly Pick’s disease, which eventually led to his death on December 28, 1937, in Paris, France.

5 Interesting Facts about Maurice Ravel

1. Maurice Ravel was a contemporary and sometimes rival of Claude Debussy, another giant of French Impressionist music.

2. Ravel served as a truck driver during World War I, having been deemed too small and frail for infantry service.

3. His ballet “Boléro” premiered in 1928 and remains one of his most famous and frequently performed works.

4. Ravel was an avid fan of mechanical toys and had a collection of automata.

5. In 1932, a taxi accident left Ravel with lasting health issues, exacerbating his already declining neurological condition.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Maurice Ravel

1. “The only love affair I have ever had was with music.”

2. “We should always remember that sensitiveness and emotion constitute the real content of a work of art.”

3. “Music, I feel, must be emotional first and intellectual second.”

4. “I did my work slowly, drop by drop. I tore it out of me by pieces.”

5. “I believe that a picture, a piece of music, can create a love affair. I believe in the power of art to transform the soul.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While exact figures are hard to come by, Ravel achieved significant financial success during his lifetime. At the time of his death in 1937, his estate, including royalties from his immensely popular works such as “Boléro,” was valued at approximately 8 million francs, which would be worth several million dollars today.