Ravel
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Roger Nichols
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Format: PaperPrice: $40.00
This new biography of Maurice Ravel (1875–1937), by one of the leading scholars of nineteenth- and twentieth-century French music, is based on a wealth of written and oral evidence, some newly translated and some derived from interviews with the composer’s friends and associates. As well as describing the circumstances in which Ravel composed, the book explores new evidence to present radical views of the composer’s background and upbringing, his notorious failure in the Prix de Rome, his incisive and often combative character, his sexual preferences, and his long final illness. It also contains the most detailed account so far published of his hugely successful American tour of 1928. The world of Maurice Ravel—including friendships (and some fallings-out) with Debussy, Fauré, Diaghilev, Gershwin, and Toscanini—is deftly uncovered in this sensitive portrait.
"[An] insightful biography."—Michael Downes, Times Literary Supplement
“[A] landmark work.”—Chester Lane, SymphonyNOW
“Roger Nichols’ volume on Ravel in the Master Musicians series dates from 1977, but this new book is far more than a mere reworking. The availability of much new material has led to a threefold expansion of the original, beautifully produced and very reasonably priced…..One could hardly wish for a more authoritative guide to Ravel.”—Philip Borg-Wheeler, Classical Music
“Although little is known about Ravel’s private life – usually the key area of interest for non-academics – Roger Nichols has produced an exceptionally comprehensive work. He attaches himself fully to his subject, weaving the successes, failures and travels with illuminating trivia.”—Anna Britten, Classic FM Magazine
“Nichols . . . enriches our understanding of [a] compositional titan.”—Chester Lane, SymphonyNOW
“Ravel could not have hoped to be evaluated by a more elegant stylist.”—R. J. Stove, American Conservative
“This new book about the life and works of Ravel follows Nichols useful Ravel Remembered (Faber) scrutinising facts and compositions with lapidary attention…..Nichols is an invaluably thorough guide”—Benjamin Ivry, International Piano
Publication Date: January 8, 2013
16 pp. b/w illus.
