Unit 2: Ravel and Jeux d'eau Flashcards
Dates
1875-1937
Family Background and Education
Born in Ciboure, France; moved to Paris three months later
Entered the Paris Conservatoire in 1889
First published work was a piano solo, Menuet antique
Life and Musical Career
Frequented the salons, cafes, and nightclubs of Paris
Commissioned by Sergei Diaghilev in 1909 to write music for Daphnis et Chloé
Mother’s death in 1917 slowed his creative output
Visited the United States in 1927; developed friendship with George Gershwin
Awarded honorary doctorate by Oxford University
Musical Style and Contributions
Used modes, pentatonic, whole-tone scales, unresolved 7th and 9th chords, and polychords
Neo-Classicism evident in works that feature contrapuntal writing, and traditional forms
Influenced by French harpsichord tradition
Had a natural affinity for Spanish music
Attracted to American jazz
Friendship with accomplished performers lead to highly virtuosic works
Some works are humorous, gentle, and naive
Genres and Titles
Jeux d’eau
Gaspard de la nuit
La valse
V: Pentatonic Scale
A scale consisting of five different pitches
Easily rendered by playing the five black keys on the piano
Common to the folk music of many European and Asian cultures
V: Whole-Tone Scale
A non-traditional scale employed by composers of the late 19th and 20th centuries
Consists of six different pitches, all spaced a whole tone apart
V: Glissando
A glide or slide from one pitch to another
Creates a shimmering effect if done on a harp
On piano, a rapid ascending or descending slide along the keys
Jeux d’eau: Genre
Solo piano work
Jeux d’eau: Premiere Date
1902
Jeux d’eau: Translation of Title
Water Games
Jeux d’eau: Dedicated To
Gabriel Fauré
Jeux d’eau: Premiered By
Richardo Viñes
