Virtuosity and Sonority in Maurice Ravel's Piano Works
Lead Research Organisation:
Birmingham City University
Department Name: ADM Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Abstract
Maurice Ravel's piano works are among the most technically demanding in the piano repertoire, renowned for their French clarity and refinement. However, beneath this elegance lies a distinct connection to Romantic virtuoso tradition. This practice-led research examines the under-explored Lisztian trace in Ravel's pianism, focusing on the interplay between virtuosity, sonority, and expression. By situating Ravel's works within the Grand Tradition, the study highlights Franz Liszt's innovations, which profoundly influenced piano technique in later generations.
The research identifies specific Lisztian traits in Ravel's pianism including the use of water imagery, approach to time and movement and virtuosic expression. Ravel's integration of virtuosic gestures within highly refined textures reflects a synthesis of Lisztian boldness with French clarity, creating a distinctive blend of technical mastery.
This study explores how Ravel reinterprets Lisztian pianism, not only in terms of technical brilliance but also through pianistic language, sonority and expressive devices.
Methodologically, the research integrates traditional musicology, the reflective practitioner model, and Historically Informed Performance (HIP) practices. Performance serves as the primary method for exploring the technical and interpretative challenges posed by Ravel's music, shedding light on how his works function both within the framework of the Grand Tradition and in relation to the Lisztian pianistic ethos.
Ultimately, this study aims to reveal the depth of Lisztian influence on Ravel, tracing how his pianism both reflects and reinterprets the legacy of Romantic virtuosity. By examining Ravel's technical innovations through a Lisztian lens, alongside evolving performance traditions, the study contributes to a broader understanding of his music within the historical continuum of piano performance.
The research identifies specific Lisztian traits in Ravel's pianism including the use of water imagery, approach to time and movement and virtuosic expression. Ravel's integration of virtuosic gestures within highly refined textures reflects a synthesis of Lisztian boldness with French clarity, creating a distinctive blend of technical mastery.
This study explores how Ravel reinterprets Lisztian pianism, not only in terms of technical brilliance but also through pianistic language, sonority and expressive devices.
Methodologically, the research integrates traditional musicology, the reflective practitioner model, and Historically Informed Performance (HIP) practices. Performance serves as the primary method for exploring the technical and interpretative challenges posed by Ravel's music, shedding light on how his works function both within the framework of the Grand Tradition and in relation to the Lisztian pianistic ethos.
Ultimately, this study aims to reveal the depth of Lisztian influence on Ravel, tracing how his pianism both reflects and reinterprets the legacy of Romantic virtuosity. By examining Ravel's technical innovations through a Lisztian lens, alongside evolving performance traditions, the study contributes to a broader understanding of his music within the historical continuum of piano performance.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Salome Chitaia (Student) |