Ravel According to Ravel

by Helene Jourdan-Morange, Helene Jourdan-Morhange

Vlado Perlemuter had the privilege of studying all Ravel's solo piano music with the reclusive composer himself. The origins of this book lie in a series of programmes broadcast in 1950 by Radio Francaise in which Perlemuter played all Ravel's compositions for solo piano and discussed them with Helene Joudan-Morange - a distinguished violinist who had been one of Ravel's closest friends. This is a transcript of their conversations, with numerous musical examples. This edition also deals with the two piano concertos.

104 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a transcribed interview, with valuable insight into Ravel’s piano music especially. But it is too short! At least the musical examples were intercalated into the text for reference. Still, some interesting things which contradicted some things my professor taught. Perlemuter’s recordings were nice to enjoy while reading as well, which he made quite late in life (on Nimbus label). Good to compare with verbal descriptions.

[Jordan Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indispensable knowledge for anyone performing Ravel or interested in knowing more about him. Those familiar with the composer will know how hard it is to come by details of his personality and personal life, so these anecdotes and pieces of performance advice are truly gems.

[Wei Gao · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must be even more interesting for pianist.