Maurice Ravel, a French composer from the early 20th century, is an iconic figure of Impressionist music, although he often distanced himself from this label. His work is distinguished by a deep exploration of the imagination, where each composition seems to create a unique sound universe. Works such as Boléro and Gaspard de la nuit illustrate his talent for transforming abstract ideas into concrete musical experiences, immersing the listener in alternative worlds through innovative orchestrations and complex harmonies.
Ravel’s imagination is not limited to escapism or mere fantasy. It is often rooted in mythological, literary or poetic narratives, as demonstrated by Daphnis et Chloé, a ballet inspired by an ancient Greek novel. This penchant for musical storytelling allowed Ravel to fuse different art forms, creating works that resonate as much for their narrative richness as for their sonic aesthetics. The orchestral textures and dynamic nuances serve to illustrate stories, emotions and landscapes, transforming each performance into an immersive experience.
Furthermore, Ravel used his imagination to push the technical and expressive boundaries of music. His piano compositions, such as Jeux d’eau and Miroirs, exemplify his innovative approach. Through advanced pianistic techniques and an inventive exploitation of timbres, he manages to evoke images and sensations with astonishing precision. Thus, Ravel’s imagination is both a quest for beauty and a technical challenge, inviting musicians and listeners to explore new dimensions of musical art.
In our album, we therefore decided to rediscover three works for violin and piano, ignoring the amalgams of tradition and editorial notes of the last century as far as is possible, in order to try to experience and understand the imagination of Ravel in all purity and remaining faithful to the spirit of the composer.
David and Slava Guerchovitch
