Maurice Ravel

He´s undoubtedly one of my favorite composers.

The perfection in his musical writing, the originality in his melodies, the poise in his output…

…he is the perfect composer.

Maurice Ravel died a day like today, 28th of December 1937. The cause of his death has not yet been fully understood.

When his most famous orchestral composition, the Bolero, was premiered in the United States by Arturo Toscanini with the New York Philharmonic, it became an incredible success.

Toscanini later performed it at the Paris Opera House, a concert in which Ravel assisted as a listener.

But, much to his surprise, Toscanini´s tempo was very fast. Visibly upset, Ravel did not stand up when Toscanini asked him to bow during a standing ovation of the full house. They would afterward argue backstage about the tempo, with Ravel asking him not to perform it anymore if he wouldn´t change the tempo…

I´ve prepared a playlist with some of the most beautiful works of classical music ever written, and today I included 4 works to honor Ravel. Of course, you will find the Bolero there. A true masterpiece.

Listen to the playlist here.

Have a nice day,

Claudio.