Maurice Ravel – A Complete Biography

Introduction

Joseph Maurice Ravel (1875–1937) was one of the most influential French composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known for his masterful orchestration, elegant clarity, and innovative harmonies, Ravel carved a unique place in music history. While often associated with Impressionism alongside Claude Debussy, Ravel’s music displayed a broader range, combining classical precision with bold modernist experimentation. Works such as Boléro, Daphnis et Chloé, and Pavane pour une infante défunte remain cornerstones of concert repertoire worldwide.

Childhood

Ravel was born on March 7, 1875, in Ciboure, a small Basque town near the Spanish border. His father, Joseph Ravel, was an inventive Swiss engineer, while his mother, Marie Delouart, was of Basque heritage and passed on a love of Spanish culture to her son. This early exposure to Spanish rhythms and melodies would profoundly influence Ravel’s compositions throughout his life.

At the age of seven, Ravel began piano lessons, showing talent but also a strong sense of independence and perfectionism. By 1889, his parents enrolled him in the Paris Conservatoire, where he studied piano, harmony, and composition under Gabriel Fauré. The Conservatoire years shaped his style but also exposed his stubborn individuality, which often clashed with institutional expectations.

Youth

During his youth, Ravel immersed himself in the vibrant cultural life of Paris. He was drawn to literature, painting, and exotic cultures, particularly those of Spain and Asia. He absorbed the works of Symbolist poets and Impressionist painters, forging connections between music and the broader artistic movements of the time.

Although he faced repeated failures in winning the prestigious Prix de Rome (a French scholarship for arts students), these setbacks only fueled his determination. His early works, including Pavane pour une infante défunte (1899), demonstrated his fascination with elegance and nostalgia. Ravel also became associated with the avant-garde group Les Apaches, a circle of artists and musicians who embraced innovation and modernity.

Adulthood

By the early 20th century, Ravel was establishing himself as one of France’s leading composers. His ballet Daphnis et Chloé (1912), commissioned by Sergei Diaghilev for the Ballets Russes, displayed his mastery of orchestration and sensual harmonic language. However, disagreements with Diaghilev strained their professional relationship.

When World War I broke out, Ravel attempted to enlist despite being too small and frail for combat. He eventually served as a truck driver in the French army, experiences that left him physically weakened and emotionally scarred. After the war, his style shifted toward more austere and neoclassical tendencies, as seen in works such as Le Tombeau de Couperin (1919).

During the 1920s and 1930s, Ravel achieved international fame. He toured extensively, including a triumphant trip to the United States in 1928, where he befriended George Gershwin and admired jazz as a legitimate art form. Ravel’s music from this period, such as Boléro (1928) and the Piano Concerto in G major (1931), combined rhythmic drive, brilliant orchestration, and influences ranging from jazz to Spanish folk traditions.

Major Compositions

Ravel’s catalogue, though relatively small compared to some contemporaries, includes masterpieces across multiple genres:

• Orchestral Works: Boléro (1928), Rapsodie espagnole (1907), La Valse (1920).
• Ballets: Daphnis et Chloé (1912), Ma mère l’Oye (Mother Goose Suite, 1910–1911).
• Piano Works: Gaspard de la nuit (1908), Jeux d’eau (1901), Miroirs (1905).
• Vocal Music: Shéhérazade (1903), Chansons madécasses (1926).
• Concertos: Piano Concerto in G major (1931), Piano Concerto for the Left Hand (1930), composed for pianist Paul Wittgenstein, who lost his right arm in the war.

Ravel was often called the “Swiss watchmaker of music” for his precision, structure, and refinement. Yet his works also reveal deep sensuality and an adventurous spirit that transcends labels.

Death

In his final years, Ravel’s health declined due to a mysterious neurological disorder, possibly related to aphasia or Pick’s disease. This illness gradually robbed him of his ability to compose, though his intellect remained intact. In 1937, he underwent experimental brain surgery, but complications followed, and he never recovered.

Maurice Ravel died on December 28, 1937, in Paris, at the age of 62. He was buried in the Levallois-Perret Cemetery near Paris, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and elegance.

Conclusion

Maurice Ravel remains one of the most celebrated composers of the 20th century. His music, while rooted in French traditions, absorbed influences from Spain, jazz, and world cultures. His orchestral brilliance, structural discipline, and emotional subtlety continue to captivate audiences. From the hypnotic repetition of Boléro to the shimmering textures of Daphnis et Chloé, Ravel’s art exemplifies the fusion of precision and imagination. His work endures as a testament to the power of individuality and creative vision in shaping the course of modern music.

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Jeux d’eau is a piano piece composed by Maurice Ravel in 1901, considered one of the finest examples of his early style and a masterpiece of impressionistic music. Its title, which translates to “Water Games,” reflects the delicate, fluid character of the piece, capturing the playful and ever-changing nature of water. Inspired by the movement and sound of water, Jeux d’eau offers a vivid portrayal of its subject through Ravel’s unique harmonic language and exceptional piano technique.

The Creation of Jeux d’eau

Ravel composed Jeux d’eau during his time in Paris, shortly after studying at the Paris Conservatoire. While still a student, Ravel had developed a fascination with water imagery, which he explored in several of his compositions, and Jeux d’eau stands out as one of his most successful treatments of this theme. The piece was written in 1901, at a time when Ravel was refining his style and becoming deeply influenced by the emerging impressionist movement in music, led by figures such as Claude Debussy.

Though Jeux d’eau was composed early in Ravel’s career, it shows signs of his mastery of intricate piano textures and sophisticated use of harmony. It was premiered in 1902 by the pianist Ricardo Viñes, a close friend and collaborator of Ravel, who was an early champion of his work.

The Musical Structure and Style

At its core, Jeux d’eau is a portrayal of water in motion, from the shimmering, rippling sounds at the beginning to the cascading, splash-like figures that follow. The piece is often described as being “pictorial,” as it evokes the fluidity and unpredictability of water through Ravel’s use of dynamic shifts, rapid runs, and intricate pedal work.

The piece opens with a delicate, bell-like motif that sets the scene for the sparkling textures that dominate the composition. Throughout, Ravel employs lush, impressionistic harmonies and unusual scales, such as the whole-tone scale, which enhance the shimmering quality of the music. The running figures and chromaticism mirror the undulating flow of water, creating a sense of fluid movement that is constantly in flux.

The form of Jeux d’eau can be seen as a loosely constructed sonata form, with a clear exposition of thematic material, a development section, and a recapitulation. However, Ravel’s handling of these sections is flexible, allowing for a freedom of expression that reflects the capricious nature of water itself.

Influence and Legacy

Ravel’s Jeux d’eau was highly influential in the development of 20th-century piano music. The piece’s technical demands and its novel use of harmonic color were groundbreaking for its time, inspiring subsequent generations of composers and pianists. The work also solidified Ravel’s reputation as one of the leading figures in French music, alongside Debussy, although Ravel’s style was more precise and classical compared to Debussy’s more fluid, less structured approach.

Jeux d’eau also plays an important role in Ravel’s evolution as a composer. While it is rooted in the impressionist movement, it anticipates many of the stylistic elements that would characterize Ravel’s later works, including his orchestral masterpieces La Valse and Daphnis et Chloé. The piece’s lush, dreamlike sound world, combined with its delicate and intricate piano writing, is a hallmark of Ravel’s music and continues to be a favorite among pianists and listeners alike.

Conclusion

Maurice Ravel’s Jeux d’eau is a striking example of the composer’s early brilliance and his ability to evoke complex imagery through music. With its sparkling textures and innovative use of harmony and form, it remains a vital and enchanting piece in the piano repertoire. More than just a technical showcase, Jeux d’eau captures the ethereal beauty and mystery of water, making it a timeless work that continues to fascinate audiences around the world.

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Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) stands as a monumental figure in 20th-century classical music, celebrated for his unique and innovative compositions. His works are a blend of classical traditions with modern flair, resulting in pieces that captivate audiences with their intricate textures, rich harmonies, and vibrant orchestration. Here, we explore the 10 best songs by Ravel, delving into the essence of his musical genius.

1. Boléro

Composed: 1928
Highlight: A hypnotic rhythm that builds to an exhilarating crescendo.

Ravel’s Boléro is arguably his most famous composition. Initially composed as a ballet, its repetitive theme and escalating intensity make it a masterclass in orchestration. The piece begins with a solo snare drum rhythm, gradually introducing different instruments, creating a mesmerizing, inexorable buildup to a powerful climax.

2. Pavane pour une infante défunte (Pavane for a Dead Princess)

Composed: 1899
Highlight: Melancholic and graceful, with a hauntingly beautiful melody.

The Pavane pour une infante défunte is a delicate, mournful piece for piano, later orchestrated by Ravel. It captures the elegance of a pavane dance while evoking a nostalgic aura of a bygone era. Its wistful melody and gentle rhythm have made it a beloved staple in the classical repertoire.

3. Daphnis et Chloé

Composed: 1912
Highlight: Lush orchestration and vivid, impressionistic storytelling.

Daphnis et Chloé is a ballet score that showcases Ravel’s gift for creating lush, atmospheric soundscapes. The suite derived from the ballet is particularly famous, with the “Lever du jour” (Daybreak) segment celebrated for its ethereal beauty. The work is a sonic tapestry, weaving together impressionistic orchestration and dynamic rhythms.

4. Rapsodie espagnole

Composed: 1907-1908
Highlight: Evocative Spanish themes and vibrant orchestration.

Ravel’s Rapsodie espagnole is a colorful orchestral piece that pays homage to Spanish music and dance. Composed of four movements, it features a rich palette of orchestral colors, capturing the essence of Spanish rhythms and melodies. The work stands as a testament to Ravel’s ability to blend exotic influences with his unique compositional voice.

5. La Valse

Composed: 1920
Highlight: A grand, swirling waltz that transitions from elegance to frenzy.

La Valse is a choreographic poem that transforms the traditional waltz into a powerful and, at times, unsettling musical journey. Starting with a dreamy, mysterious introduction, the piece evolves into a sweeping dance, ultimately descending into a wild and tumultuous conclusion. It’s a fascinating exploration of the waltz genre.

6. Gaspard de la nuit

Composed: 1908
Highlight: Technically demanding and evocative, with a dark, fantastical atmosphere.

Gaspard de la nuit is a suite of three piano pieces, each inspired by poems by Aloysius Bertrand. The pieces—“Ondine,” “Le Gibet,” and “Scarbo”—are known for their technical difficulty and vivid imagery, painting a musical portrait of water nymphs, a hanged man, and a mischievous goblin, respectively. It remains one of the pinnacles of the piano repertoire.

7. Tzigane

Composed: 1924
Highlight: A virtuosic rhapsody for violin and piano (or orchestra) infused with gypsy flair.

Tzigane is a rhapsodic composition for violin and piano (later orchestrated by Ravel), inspired by the virtuosity and style of Romani music. The piece opens with a dramatic, unaccompanied violin solo, followed by a lively, intricate interplay between the violin and piano (or orchestra). It showcases Ravel’s ability to blend classical form with folk elements.

8. Ma Mère l’Oye (Mother Goose Suite)

Composed: 1910
Highlight: A charming and whimsical suite based on fairy tales.

Originally written for piano four hands, Ma Mère l’Oye was later orchestrated by Ravel. Each of the five movements is based on a different fairy tale, creating a magical and evocative soundscape. The suite includes enchanting pieces like “Pavane of the Sleeping Beauty” and “The Fairy Garden,” capturing the innocence and wonder of childhood stories.

9. L’enfant et les sortilèges (The Child and the Spells)

Composed: 1925
Highlight: An opera that blends humor, fantasy, and lyrical beauty.

L’enfant et les sortilèges is a one-act opera with a libretto by Colette. It tells the whimsical story of a naughty child who learns empathy and responsibility through interactions with animated objects and animals. Ravel’s music is characteristically vivid and inventive, bringing the story’s fantastical elements to life with brilliant orchestration and memorable melodies.

10. String Quartet in F Major

Composed: 1903
Highlight: A blend of classical form with innovative harmonies and textures.

Ravel’s String Quartet in F Major is his only work for string quartet and remains a cornerstone of the chamber music repertoire. It combines traditional quartet writing with Ravel’s distinctive harmonic language, featuring a lyrical first movement, a lively and rhythmic second, a delicate third, and a dynamic, energetic finale.

Conclusion

Maurice Ravel’s compositions continue to enchant listeners with their masterful blend of technical prowess, evocative imagery, and innovative orchestration. From the rhythmic drive of Boléro to the fantastical world of Gaspard de la nuit, his works offer a rich and varied exploration of the possibilities of music. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a new listener, Ravel’s music invites you on a journey through the enchanting landscapes of his imagination.

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Introduction:

Maurice Ravel, one of the most influential composers of the 20th century, left an indelible mark on classical music with his innovative compositions. Renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and enchanting melodies, Ravel’s music continues to captivate audiences around the world. In this blog post, we delve into the treasure trove of Ravel’s repertoire to present the ten best songs that showcase his exceptional artistry and musical genius.

• “Boléro” (1928): Undoubtedly Ravel’s most famous composition, “Boléro” is a mesmerizing orchestral piece that builds gradually, layer by layer, to an exhilarating climax. Its repetitive rhythm and hypnotic melody leave a lasting impression, making it an unforgettable masterpiece.

• “Pavane pour une infante défunte” (1899): With its hauntingly beautiful melody, “Pavane pour une infante défunte” takes listeners on a melancholic journey. Ravel’s ability to evoke profound emotions through his music is showcased wonderfully in this exquisite piano piece.

• “Daphnis et Chloé” (1912): Composed as a ballet, “Daphnis et Chloé” boasts lush orchestration and evocative themes. It is a grand masterpiece that exhibits Ravel’s mastery of orchestral color and his ability to create vivid musical narratives.

• “Jeux d’eau” (1901): Translated as “Fountains” or “Playing Water,” “Jeux d’eau” is a virtuosic piano piece that captures the essence of flowing water. With its cascading arpeggios and shimmering harmonies, Ravel paints a vivid picture of water in motion.

• “Ma mère l’Oye” (1908): “Ma mère l’Oye” (Mother Goose) is a delightful suite originally composed for piano four hands and later orchestrated. Inspired by fairy tales, this enchanting work weaves a tapestry of whimsical melodies, transporting listeners to a world of magic and imagination.

• “La Valse” (1920): A breathtaking orchestral whirlwind, “La Valse” is a tour de force that showcases Ravel’s masterful command of orchestration and his ability to create an atmosphere of both elegance and chaos. It is a dynamic and exhilarating piece that pays homage to the Viennese waltz tradition.

• “Le Tombeau de Couperin” (1917): Originally composed for solo piano, “Le Tombeau de Couperin” is a poignant tribute to the Baroque era. Each movement is dedicated to a fallen friend of Ravel during World War I, and the suite showcases Ravel’s skill in blending classical forms with his own unique style.

• “Gaspard de la nuit” (1908): Considered one of the most challenging piano compositions ever written, “Gaspard de la nuit” is a three-movement suite inspired by a collection of poems by Aloysius Bertrand. It demands exceptional technical prowess from the performer and offers a dark and fantastical musical experience.

• “String Quartet in F major” (1903): Ravel’s String Quartet in F major is a remarkable example of his chamber music expertise. Each movement demonstrates his skillful craftsmanship and ability to blend rich harmonies with intricate counterpoint, resulting in a work of profound beauty and emotional depth.

• “Sonatine” (1905): Closing our list is “Sonatine,” a delightful and concise piano work that showcases Ravel’s signature style. This piece displays his delicate touch, imaginativeharmonies, and impeccable craftsmanship, encapsulating the essence of Ravel’s musical language.

Conclusion:

Maurice Ravel’s contribution to the world of classical music is unparalleled. His ability to create intricate melodies, rich harmonies, and vivid musical landscapes is evident in each of his compositions. From the iconic “Boléro” to the enchanting “Pavane pour une infante défunte” and the evocative “Daphnis et Chloé,” Ravel’s repertoire is a testament to his exceptional artistry and enduring legacy.

The ten songs mentioned in this blog post merely scratch the surface of Ravel’s extensive catalog. Exploring his works further will undoubtedly reveal even more hidden gems that showcase his boundless creativity and musical prowess. So, dive into the enchanting world of Maurice Ravel’s music, and let his melodies transport you to a realm of beauty and imagination.

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Introduction:

In the realm of classical music, few composers have left as profound an impact as Maurice Ravel. With his unparalleled ability to blend colors, evoke vivid imagery, and transport listeners to ethereal realms, Ravel established himself as a luminary of musical Impressionism. This blog delves into the fascinating biography of this prodigious composer, exploring his life, musical journey, and lasting legacy.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings:

Born on March 7, 1875, in Ciboure, a small town in the Basque region of France, Joseph-Maurice Ravel displayed remarkable musical talent from a young age. Raised in a creative household, he was encouraged by his mother to pursue his passion for music. At the age of 14, Ravel was admitted to the Paris Conservatoire, where he studied composition and piano.

Emerging as a Brilliant Composer:

Ravel’s compositional style developed alongside the emergence of Impressionism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He drew inspiration from the works of Claude Debussy, his contemporary and friend, and expanded upon the impressionist aesthetic, infusing it with his own unique flair.

The musical language of Ravel was characterized by its intricate harmonies, rich orchestrations, and meticulous attention to detail. His compositions were a fusion of classical form and innovative harmonic techniques, often imbued with influences from Spanish, Basque, and jazz music. Pieces such as “Boléro,” “Pavane for a Dead Princess,” and “Daphnis et Chloé” exemplify Ravel’s masterful ability to create lush and evocative soundscapes.

Triumphs and Challenges:

Despite his remarkable talent, Ravel faced numerous challenges throughout his career. His delicate health and an arduous military service during World War I hindered his creative output. Nevertheless, he continued to compose and eventually achieved critical acclaim with his ballet “Daphnis et Chloé,” which solidified his reputation as a leading figure in French music.

Ravel’s personal life was characterized by solitude and dedication to his craft. Although he never married or had children, he formed deep friendships with fellow artists, including pianist Ricardo Viñes and writer Colette. These relationships provided support and inspiration during both triumphant and challenging times.

Legacy and Impact:

Maurice Ravel’s contributions to music remain timeless and influential. His works have left an indelible mark on the classical repertoire, captivating audiences and musicians alike. Composers ranging from Leonard Bernstein to George Gershwin have acknowledged Ravel’s profound influence on their own musical styles.

Beyond the classical realm, Ravel’s music has found its way into popular culture, enriching films, advertisements, and even rock music. His innovative use of harmony and orchestration continues to inspire contemporary composers across genres.

Conclusion:

Maurice Ravel, with his extraordinary talent and dedication, has left an indelible imprint on the world of classical music. His unique blend of impressionism, meticulous craftsmanship, and daring exploration of musical boundaries captivated audiences then and continues to do so today. As we revisit his timeless compositions, we are reminded of Ravel’s ability to transport us to otherworldly realms and evoke a wide range of emotions. His legacy as a master of musical Impressionism ensures that his music will be cherished for generations to come.

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Maurice Ravel was a French composer of Swiss-Basque descent, who lived from 1875 to 1937. He is often associated with Impressionism, although he rejected the term. He was one of the most original and influential composers of the 20th century, known for his musical craftsmanship and perfection of form and style.

Ravel was born in Ciboure, a Basque town near the Spanish border, to a music-loving family. His father was an engineer and inventor, and his mother was of Basque origin. He showed his talent for music at an early age, and entered the Paris Conservatoire at 14. There he studied with Gabriel Fauré, who became his mentor and friend. He composed some of his best-known works during his student years, such as the Pavane for a Dead Princess, the Sonatine, and the String Quartet.

Ravel’s music is characterized by its clarity, elegance, and refinement. He was influenced by various musical traditions, such as baroque, classical, neoclassical, Spanish, jazz, and Asian music. He also admired the music of Debussy, Mussorgsky, Satie, and Stravinsky. He was a master of orchestration, and made famous arrangements of other composers’ works, such as Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. He also wrote original orchestral works, such as Boléro, Rapsodie espagnole, La Valse, and Daphnis et Chloé.

Ravel was also a prolific composer of piano music, chamber music, vocal music, and opera. Some of his piano works are very difficult to play, such as Gaspard de la nuit and Miroirs. His chamber music includes the Piano Trio and the Introduction and Allegro for harp, flute, clarinet, and string quartet. His vocal music ranges from songs to operas, such as L’Heure espagnole and L’Enfant et les sortilèges. His operas are notable for their humor, fantasy, and charm.

Ravel was a slow and meticulous worker, who composed fewer pieces than many of his contemporaries. He was also a modest and reserved person, who avoided publicity and honors. He suffered from a neurological condition in his later years, which affected his speech and memory. He died in Paris in 1937, after undergoing a failed brain surgery. He is buried in Levallois-Perret Cemetery, near Paris.

Ravel’s music has been widely performed and recorded by many musicians and orchestras around the world. His music has also inspired many artists in other fields, such as literature, film, ballet, and painting. He is regarded as one of the greatest composers of all time.

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Ravel – Short Biography

Joseph Maurice Ravel (7 March 1875 – 28 December 1937) was a French composer, pianist and conductor. He is often associated with Impressionism along with his elder contemporary Claude Debussy, although both composers rejected the term. In the 1920s and 1930s Ravel was internationally regarded as France’s greatest living composer.

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Ravel – Piano Concerto for the Left Hand – Music | History

The Piano Concerto for the Left Hand in D major was composed by Maurice Ravel between 1929 and 1930, concurrently with his Piano Concerto in G major. It was commissioned by the Austrian pianist Paul Wittgenstein, who lost his right arm during World War I. The Concerto had its premiere in January 1932, with Wittgenstein as soloist performing with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra.
The piece was commissioned by Paul Wittgenstein, a concert pianist who had lost his right arm in the First World War.
In preparing for composition, Ravel studied several pieces written for one-handed piano, including Camille Saint-Saëns’s Six Études pour la main gauche (Six Études for the Left Hand) (Op. 135), Leopold Godowsky’s transcription for the left hand of Frédéric Chopin’s Etudes (Opp. 10 and 25), Carl Czerny’s Ecole de la main gauche (School of the Left Hand) (Op. 399), 24 études pour la main gauche (Op. 719), Charles-Valentin Alkan’s (Op. 76 No. 1), and Alexander Scriabin’s Prelude and Nocturne for the Left Hand (Op. 9).
Wittgenstein gave the premiere with Robert Heger and the Vienna Symphony Orchestra on 5 January 1932; Ravel had first offered the premiere to Arturo Toscanini, who declined.
The first French pianist to perform the work was Jacques Février, chosen by Ravel.

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Daphnis et Chloé is a ballet in one act with three parts (scenes) by Maurice Ravel described as a “symphonie chorégraphique” (choreographic symphony). The scenario was adapted by Michel Fokine from a romance by the Greek writer Longus thought to date from around the 2nd century AD. Scott Goddard published a contemporary commentary that discussed the changes to the story that Fokine made to prepare a workable ballet scenario. The story concerns the love between the goatherd Daphnis and the shepherdess Chloé.
Ravel began work on the score in 1909 after a commission from Sergei Diaghilev. It was premiered at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris by his Ballets Russes on 8 June 1912. The orchestra was conducted by Pierre Monteux, the choreography was by Michel Fokine, and Vaslav Nijinsky and Tamara Karsavina danced the parts of Daphnis and Chloé. Léon Bakst designed the original sets.
At almost an hour long, Daphnis et Chloé is Ravel’s longest work. In spite of the ballet’s duration, four discernible leitmotifs give musical unity to the score. The music, some of the composer’s most passionate, is widely regarded as some of Ravel’s best, with extraordinarily lush harmonies typical of the impressionist movement in music. Even during the composer’s lifetime, contemporary commentators described this ballet as his masterpiece for orchestra. Ravel extracted music from the ballet to make two orchestral suites, which can be performed with or without the chorus. The second of the suites, which includes much of the last part of the ballet and concludes with the “Danse générale”, is particularly popular. When the complete work is itself performed live, it is more often in concerts than in staged productions.

Maurice Ravel

Daphnis et Chloé – Suite No. 2

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Maurice Ravel – Jeux deau

Jeux d’eau is a piece for solo piano by Maurice Ravel. The title is often translated as “Fountains”, “Playing Water” or literally “Water Games” (see Jeux d’eau, water features in gardens). At the time of writing Jeux d’eau, Ravel was a student of Gabriel Fauré, to whom the piece is dedicated. Pianist Ricardo Viñes was the first to publicly perform the work in 1902, although it had been privately performed for Les Apaches previously.
The piece was inspired by Franz Liszt’s piece Les jeux d’eau à la Villa d’Este (from the 3ème année of his Années de pèlerinage), and Ravel explained its origins in this way:
Jeux d’eau, appearing in 1901, is at the origin of the pianistic novelties which one would notice in my work. This piece, inspired by the noise of water and by the musical sounds which make one hear the sprays of water, the cascades, and the brooks, is based on two motives in the manner of the movement of a sonata—without, however, subjecting itself to the classical tonal plan.
Written on the manuscript by Ravel, and often included on published editions, is the text “Dieu fluvial riant de l’eau qui le chatouille…” a quote from Henri de Régnier’s Cité des eaux, which in English editions is sometimes translated to “River god laughing as the water tickles him …”. The tonality of the piece is E major.
The piece infamously uses non-standard keys included on larger Bösendorfer models, often written into scores using a substituted low A (the lowest key on the standard keyboard) near measure 57, which should be a half-step lower at G♯.
The work was first published by Eugène Demets.

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