Overview
Maurice Ravel’s “Piano Sonatina, M. 40” is an iconic and concise work, composed between 1903 and 1905. It is dedicated to the composer’s friends, Ida and Cipa Godebski. The work is considered one of Ravel’s piano masterpieces, often praised for its clarity, balance, and delicacy .
Structure in three movements:
Moderate : The first movement, in F- sharp minor , is of great elegance . It is characterized by a fluid melody and a rich harmonic language, typical of Ravel’s style. It establishes a delicate and dreamy atmosphere .
Minuet Movement: This central movement, in D – flat major, is a stylized minuet . It evokes the refinement and elegance of the 18th century , while being imbued with the lyricism and modernity of Ravel. It offers a contrast in tempo and tonality with the other two movements.
Animated : The finale, in F-sharp minor, is the most technically virtuosic. It is full of energy and vivacity, with complex rhythms and time changes (especially between 3/4 and 5/4). It ends with a brilliant and luminous conclusion in F- sharp major, bringing the work to a triumphant close .
Style and features:
Conciseness and clarity: Unlike the great Romantic sonatas, Ravel’s Sonatina is distinguished by its brevity and clear structure, recalling classical forms while being modernized by its harmonic language.
Influence of French masters : Ravel drew his inspiration from the keyboard writing of 18th-century French masters such as Couperin and Rameau, which is reflected in the finesse and elegance of the work .
Delicate virtuosity : Although less monumental than other works by Ravel such as Gaspard de la nuit, the Sonatina demands great technical finesse and a particular sensitivity on the part of the performer .
Significance in Ravel’s work: The Sonatina is one of Ravel’s first works to be published by the publisher Durand, who would become his main collaborator. It marks an important stage in the development of the composer’s style .
In summary , the “Sonatine, M. 40” is a masterpiece by Ravel for piano, appreciated for its perfect balance between classical tradition and the innovation of French Impressionism , combining a strict formal structure with lyrical expressiveness and subtle virtuosity .
List of titles
Ravel’s Piano Sonatina, M. 40, is a work in three movements. It is dedicated to Ida and Cipa Godebski, great friends of the composer.
Here are the details of his movements:
I. Moderate
II. Minuet Movement
III. Animated
The work does not have specific German subtitles or alternative titles, being a French work in essence. The title “Sonatine” itself is a musical term for a “small sonata,” reflecting the classical structure and conciseness of the work compared to a traditional full-length sonata.
History
The story of Maurice Ravel’s Sonatina, M. 40 is as fascinating as the work itself , as its creation is linked to a small anecdote from French musical history .
In 1903, a Parisian music journal, the Weekly Critical Review, held a composition competition. The challenge was to create the first movement of a piano sonata in F- sharp minor, no longer than 75 bars. It was a very specific commission , almost a “specification” for a composer.
Ravel, who was already a renowned musician but was still finding his place in the academic world of music, took on this challenge. He composed the first movement of his future Sonatina. However, history has it that Ravel had exceeded the 75-bar limit. The movement he created was 84, which disqualified him from the competition. One can imagine the composer’s frustration, as he was both a perfectionist and a free spirit who did not easily submit to constraints.
Ironically, the revue went bankrupt shortly afterward , effectively canceling the competition. Ravel, already having a basis for work, decided not to abandon his project. He completed the work by adding two more movements: the charming “Minuet Movement” and the virtuoso “Animé.” Thus, the Sonatine was completed in 1905, becoming a complete and balanced piece .
The work was dedicated to Ravel’s friends, Ida and Cipa Godebski. This couple, who held a famous Parisian salon, was a home for many artists of the time, including the “Apaches” group of which Ravel was a member. It is interesting to note that Ravel later dedicated his suite for piano four hands, Mother Goose , to the Godebski children.
The first complete performance of the Sonatina took place in Lyon on March 10, 1906, performed by Paule de Lestang. Its Paris premiere followed shortly after . The work was received with success and has since become one of the most performed and appreciated pieces in Ravel ‘s piano repertoire.
This story is an excellent example of Ravel’s creativity , which transformed a competition failure into an accomplished and timeless work of art, combining the demands of classical form with his own modern and impressionist sensibility.
Impacts & Influences
Maurice Ravel’s Sonatina, M. 40, despite its small size, has had a significant impact and lasting influence. It is often considered a pivotal work that embodies both classical tradition and 20th-century innovations .
Impacts on piano music
The Revival of Classical Form: In an era dominated by the Romantic gigantism of composers like Richard Wagner and the Impressionist experiments of Claude Debussy, Ravel chose to return to the sonata form, but reduced it to a “sonatina.” This approach helped revitalize interest in classical structures, showing that they could be used with a modern harmonic language. 🎻
Clarity and Balance: The work is praised for its logical construction and perfect balance. Every note seems to have its place, and the music, although rich in harmony, is never overloaded. This pursuit of clarity became a hallmark of Ravel’s style and influenced other composers to favor precision and conciseness.
Piano writing: Ravel develops a virtuoso style, but one of subtle finesse and delicacy, far from the spectacular bravura of Romanticism. The third movement , “Animé,” is a perfect example, with its complex rhythms and virtuosity that serves musical expression rather than the other way around. This opened the way to a new type of virtuosity, more refined and less demonstrative .
Influences on other composers and movements
Neoclassicism: The Sonatina is one of the first works , if not the first , to be seen as a masterpiece of French neoclassicism . By reinterpreting past forms with a modern sensibility, Ravel inspired other composers, notably Igor Stravinsky and the Group of Six, to explore this path. It is a model of balance between respect for tradition and innovation.
Influence on Stravinsky: The composer Igor Stravinsky, although of a different temperament, was greatly impressed by Ravel ‘s perfectionism and formal mastery . Echoes of the search for clarity and return to more structured forms can be found in Stravinsky, particularly in his neoclassical period .
Influence on film composers: Ravel’s orchestral precision and mastery of color, already present in the Sonatina (even though it is a piano piece ) , had a considerable influence on many film composers in the 20th century , who sought to create subtle moods and complex orchestral textures.
Characteristics of Music
Maurice Ravel’s Sonatina, M. 40, is not a collection or a suite, but a single composition in three movements. Its musical characteristics are very representative of Ravel’s style and the neoclassical period .
Clarity and classic shape
Ravel takes the traditional structure of the sonata, but condenses it, hence the name “sonatine” (small sonata). There is a perfect balance between the three movements, each with a well-defined character :
Moderate : A first movement in sonata form, elegant and lyrical .
Minuet Movement: A slow, graceful movement, reminiscent of dances from the Baroque and Classical periods.
Animated : A fast and virtuoso finale, which concludes the work with energy.
This approach is an excellent example of neoclassicism, which seeks to modernize the forms of the past .
Harmony and musical language
Although the form is classical, the harmonic language is resolutely modern. Ravel uses ninth and eleventh chords , modal harmonies , and chromaticisms that give the music its color and richness. Passages are often built on pentatonic scales or ancient modes, creating an atmosphere that is both familiar and exotic. The main key, F-sharp minor, is quite unusual and contributes to the originality of the work .
Piano writing
Ravel’s writing is very refined . It is not a demonstrative virtuosity like Liszt’s, but a virtuosity of finesse and precision. The composer emphasizes textures, timbres, and clarity of melodic lines. The performer must demonstrate great dexterity for complex rhythms, especially the time changes in the last movement, as well as a sensitivity for delicate nuances .
In summary , the musical characteristics of Ravel’s Sonatina lie in the balance between classical form, modern harmony and a piano writing of great finesse, which makes it a timeless work and a masterpiece of the repertoire.
Style(s), movement(s) and period of composition
Maurice Ravel’s Sonatina, M. 40, composed between 1903 and 1905, is a fascinating work because it stands at a stylistic crossroads in early 20th-century music . It cannot be classified into a single category , but rather represents a synthesis of several musical currents.
Period : Early 20th century modernism
The Sonatina was written during the so-called modernist period. It was a time of break with 19th- century traditions , when composers explored new harmonies, new forms, and new sound textures. Ravel, along with his peers such as Claude Debussy, was at the forefront of this movement in France.
Style and Movement: A mixture of classicism, impressionism and neoclassicism
The music of the Sonatina is a blend of old and new influences, making it both a traditional and innovative work.
Traditional and Classical: Its very title , “Sonatine,” is a nod to the classical sonata form. Ravel clearly drew inspiration from the masters of the 18th century , notably French harpsichordists like François Couperin and Jean-Philippe Rameau. The second movement , a “Minuet Movement,” is a direct homage to these ancient dance forms. The work is structured in a clear and balanced manner , far from the exuberance and hypertrophy of the post-Romantic works of the period.
Innovative and Impressionist: Although the form is classical, the musical language is decidedly innovative. The work bears clear marks of musical impressionism. Ravel uses rich and complex harmonies (ninth chords , eleventh chords , etc.), delicate sound colors, and piano writing that highlights the instrument’s timbre. The music seeks to evoke atmospheres rather than tell a story , as seen in the first movement, “Modéré , ” which exudes a subtle, dreamy mood .
Neoclassical : By combining classical form with modern harmony, the Sonatina is often considered one of the first major works of French neoclassicism . This movement, which reached its peak after the First World War, aimed to return to the clarity and simplicity of ancient forms while employing a 20th-century musical language . Ravel’s work is a perfect example of this trend, showing that it is possible to create something new based on tradition.
In conclusion, Ravel’s Sonatina is a work of the modernist period. Its style is a unique fusion of several currents: it has roots in classicism (form), an aesthetic inspired by impressionism (harmony and timbre), and is a precursor to neoclassicism (synthesis of the two). It is both old and new, traditional and innovative, and it is this duality that makes it a timeless masterpiece and an essential piece for understanding the evolution of Ravel’s music and that of his time.
Analysis: Form, Technique(s), Texture, Harmony, Rhythm
Maurice Ravel’s Sonatina, M. 40, is a work rich in subtleties, combining a classical structure with a modern musical language.
Analysis of structure and form
The Sonatina is a work in three movements, following the traditional sonata form, but on a smaller scale.
Moderate : This is a movement in classical sonata form. It presents two main themes which are stated, developed, and restated , although in a more concise and fluid manner than in the Romantic sonatas. The movement is in F- sharp minor , with modulation to other keys .
Minuet Movement: This is a stylized minuet, a three-part Baroque dance form (Minuet-Trio-Minuet). Ravel preserves the ternary structure but infuses it with his unique harmonic language. The key is D- flat major.
Animated : The finale is a rondo-sonata, a form that combines the structure of the rondo (a recurring main theme ) and the characteristics of sonata form. It is the most technically virtuosic, with complex rhythms. It ends brilliantly in F-sharp major.
Analysis of texture and technique
The texture of the Sonatina is predominantly polyphonic and contrapuntal. Ravel interweaves several melodic lines, particularly in the first and last movements, rather than having a single melody accompanied by chords. The melody is often divided between the pianist’s two hands, creating a dialogue-like effect and great clarity .
The piano technique required is very refined . It is not a question of strength, but of precision, agility and lightness . The composer uses numerous arpeggios , wide chords and octaves, as well as rapid passages and changes of time, especially in the last movement, which require great virtuosity .
Harmony, scale, tonality and rhythm
Harmony: Harmony is Ravel’s trademark. It is rich, chromatic, and modal. Ravel uses enriched chords (ninths , elevenths , thirteenths ) and non-functional harmonies that create an impressionistic and ethereal atmosphere . Tritones and diminished seventh chords are also frequent .
Scales and tonality : The main tonality is F-sharp minor. Ravel explores other tonality throughout the work, and often uses ancient modes (such as the Dorian or Aeolian modes) as well as the pentatonic scale to create distinctive sounds and exotic moods.
Rhythm: Rhythm is one of the most innovative elements. Ravel uses a wide variety of rhythmic patterns and unexpected time changes (especially the alternations between 3/4 and 5/4 in the last movement) that give the music a sense of imbalance and surprise, while remaining very controlled .
In short, the Sonatina is a model of synthesis . It is at once polyphonic in texture, classical in structure, and resolutely modern in harmony, rhythm, and technique, making it a masterpiece of the early 20th-century piano repertoire .
Tutorial, performance tips and important playing points
Playing Maurice Ravel’s Sonatina, M. 40, on the piano is not just about technique, but also about understanding the composer’s aesthetics and intentions. Here’s a tutorial, performance tips, and key points for each movement.
General points
Clarity and precision : Ravel demands extremely precise performance . Every note must be heard clearly, even in fast passages. Avoid overlapping sounds or using the pedal excessively .
Delicate touch: The sound should never be harsh or percussive. Aim for a light, singing, and velvety touch . Ravel’s virtuosity is subtle, not demonstrative.
Rhythm: Study rhythms very carefully. Use a metronome to master complex passages, especially in the last movement.
Movement I : Moderate
Atmosphere : This movement should be played with a sense of calm and nobility. “Moderate ” is not a slow tempo, but a balanced tempo , which allows the phrases to breathe.
Technique:
Left Hand: The opening theme is in the left hand. It should be sing-song, with a beautiful sound. Make sure the right hand chords do not cover the melody .
Arpeggiated Passages : There are many arpeggiated passages . Play them smoothly and evenly , like a wave. The pedal should be used sparingly to avoid muddying the harmonies.
Performance tip: Think of the elegance of a French harpsichordist . Phrases should be long and lyrical, but with aristocratic restraint. The overall mood is dreamy and intimate.
Movement II: Minuet Movement
Atmosphere : This minuet must be exquisitely graceful and light . The character is intimate and poetic, with a sense of classicism .
Technique:
The trio: The central part (the trio) requires great mastery of legato. The melody must be played with deep expression, like a song without words.
Hand Balance: Often the left hand has complex figurations that accompany the right hand. The left hand must be light and transparent , while remaining rhythmically precise.
Performance tip: Imagine a ballet scene, where every step is measured and elegant . Ravel himself choreographed some of his works. Think of a delicate dialogue between the two hands. The sound should be clear and crystalline.
Movement III: Animated
Atmosphere : It is a movement full of energy , vivacity and virtuosity . The term “lively” is not limited to the tempo, it also suggests a certain passion and dynamism.
Technique:
Complex Rhythms: Time changes (from 3/4 to 5/4 and others) are the biggest challenge. Practice these passages very slowly with the metronome, tapping out the subdivisions to internalize them .
Chords and Octaves: The movement is filled with fast chords and octaves. Loosen your wrists to avoid tension. Don’t play forcefully, but with a quick, light gesture .
Clarity : Even at high speed, each note must be distinct. The final passage, with its sixteenth notes, must be executed with extreme precision .
Performance tip: This movement is a kind of piano perpetuum mobile. Maintain a constant energy, like a motor that runs without ever stopping . The crescendos should be gradual, and the conclusion in F- sharp major should be an explosion of light .
In summary , the key to performing Ravel’s Sonatina is mastery of sound, clarity, and rhythm. It requires a balance between technical virtuosity and artistic sensitivity, always seeking an elegance and finesse that are the composer’s trademark.
Successful piece or collection at the time ?
The success of Maurice Ravel’s Sonatina, M. 40 at the time of its release was not immediate and resounding as with other popular works, but it was quickly recognized by musical circles and gained in esteem over time.
Critical reception
At its premiere in 1906, the Sonatina was well received by music critics, who immediately noted its clarity , conciseness, and elegance . It was hailed as a work that revived 18th-century forms while being resolutely modern in its harmonic language. It was perceived as a masterpiece of perfection and refinement, and Ravel himself seemed to have a high regard for the work, regularly including it in his recitals .
However, it is important to note that its success was not on the scale of a mass phenomenon. The Sonatina was a piece intended for an informed audience, and its subtle virtuosity made it less spectacular than the great post-Romantic works.
Sales of sheet music
Sales of the Sonatina scores at the time were probably not record- breaking . Ravel’s music, although admired, was not yet as universally known as it is today. Ravel’s publisher at the time, Durand & Fils, played a crucial role in disseminating his works, but it took time for the Sonatina to become a classic of the piano repertoire.
Growing success
The Sonatina has acquired its stature as a masterpiece over time. Many renowned pianists have included it in their repertoire, and it has become a must – have piece for piano students. The fact that it is now widely available, in print or digital format, is a testament to its enduring success . Today’s music critics consider it one of Ravel’s most important works, a “shattering farewell to the world of artistic certainties,” according to musicologist Marcel Marnat.
In summary , the Sonatina was not an instant commercial “hit” , but a work whose value was recognized by experts from the moment of its release, and which has gained popularity and success over the decades to become an undisputed classic of the piano repertoire.
Famous Recordings
Ravel’s Sonatina is a benchmark work in the piano repertoire. Many great pianists have recorded it, offering varied interpretations, ranging from historical traditions to more modern approaches. Here is a list of famous recordings and essential performers .
Historical and traditional recordings
Alfred Cortot (1931 recordings): These recordings are valuable historical documents. Cortot, one of the greatest French pianists , was a contemporary of Ravel and his playing embodies the great Romantic and French tradition . His interpretation is very expressive , with great rhythmic freedom and pronounced lyricism .
Robert Casadesus: Casadesus is often considered one of Ravel’s most faithful interpreters . His playing is characterized by impeccable clarity, technical precision, and elegance that highlight the neoclassical structure of the Sonatina.
Vlado Perlemuter: A student of Ravel himself , Vlado Perlemuter benefited from direct guidance from the composer. His recordings are therefore of paramount importance. His interpretation is both rigorous and poetic, with a profound sense of color and nuance. He is an absolute reference for anyone wishing to understand the spirit of Ravel’s music.
Walter Gieseking: This German pianist, known for his impressionistic touch, left a legendary recording of the Sonatina. His interpretation is distinguished by a diaphanous sound, remarkable delicacy and fluidity, ideal for the impressionistic aspect of the work .
Standard recordings and reference interpretations
Samson François : Samson François ‘ approach is very personal and fascinating. His playing is daring, with a sense of fantasy and a unique expressiveness that moves away from simple technical perfection to create a lively and singular interpretation .
Pascal Rogé : Pascal Rogé is a world-renowned French interpreter of Ravel. His recordings are praised for their elegance , clarity, and musicality. He combines French tradition with a modern, balanced approach .
Jean-Yves Thibaudet: This French performer has recorded Ravel’s complete piano works. His approach is both technical and poetic, with a great sense of color and a rich sound.
Modern and contemporary interpretations
Martha Argerich: Although her recording is already a classic, Argerich’s interpretation is still perceived as a modern reference for its incisive virtuosity and flamboyant energy, especially in the final movement.
Pierre-Laurent Aimard: Known for his interpretations of contemporary music, Aimard brings great rhythmic precision and structural analysis to his playing, resulting in an interpretation of almost architectural clarity.
Angela Hewitt: Her Ravel discography is highly regarded . Angela Hewitt’s interpretation of the Sonatina is distinguished by a technical rigor and sensitivity that reveal textural details and nuances rarely heard .
Seong-Jin Cho: More recently, the young Korean pianist recorded a complete Ravel collection, including the Sonatina. His performance has been praised for its virtuosity, clarity , and maturity , proving the work’s relevance to new generations of performers .
Ultimately, the choice of a recording will depend on the listener’s taste: the elegance of Casadesus, the authority of Perlemuter, the energy of Argerich, or the clarity of Angela Hewitt. Each of these recordings offers a different perspective on this masterpiece of piano music.
Episodes and anecdotes
Ravel’s Sonatina, M. 40, is surrounded by a few anecdotes and episodes which shed light on its genesis and place in the composer’s life.
The missed competition
The most famous and seminal anecdote in the history of the Sonatina is that of the Weekly Critical Review competition. In 1903, this music magazine issued a challenge to composers: to write the first movement of a piano sonata in F- sharp minor , with a limit of 75 bars. Ravel set to work, but created a movement of 84 bars, automatically disqualifying him. Shortly after , the magazine went bankrupt and the competition was canceled. Fortunately, Ravel was not discouraged and decided to complete the work by adding two more movements, transforming a competition failure into a masterpiece. Without this mishap , the Sonatina as we know it might never have existed .
A price for a “bad part ”
In 1905, Ravel entered his Sonatina into the prestigious Prix de la Ville de Paris, a competition organized to promote chamber music. Ironically, the work was rejected by the jury. One of the judges, the renowned composer Vincent d’ Indy, reportedly declared the piece ” badly written.” This decision caused an uproar in Parisian artistic and musical circles, who already admired Ravel ‘s talent. This anecdote illustrates the difficulty Ravel had in being accepted by the musical establishment of his time, which was often considered too innovative, even for works that today seem classically clear.
Dedication to the composer’s friends
The dedication to Ida and Cipa Godebski is not insignificant. This couple, who held a renowned artistic and literary salon in Paris, were at the heart of Ravel’s circle of friends, nicknamed “Les Apaches.” This group of artists and writers, who met to discuss art and literature, was a crucial source of inspiration and support for Ravel. Dedicating his Sonatina to this couple was a testament to the deep friendship between them. The bond between Ravel and the Godebskis would continue, as the composer would later dedicate his suite for piano four hands, Ma mère l’Oye, to the couple’s children.
The link with Maurice Delage
The Sonatina episode is also linked to the friendship between Ravel and the composer Maurice Delage. In 1904, Delage had also composed a Sonatina, in E-flat major. Ravel, impressed, is said to have said to him: “Then I too will write one in F- sharp minor.” This is a fine example of the way in which composers of this period inspired each other, in an atmosphere of healthy emulation. Ravel’s composition of the Sonatina can be seen as a friendly response and a challenge to his friend Delage.
These anecdotes show that the creation of the Sonatina was not a simple process, but was marked by challenges, disappointments and friendships, which undoubtedly contributed to making it one of the works dearest to the hearts of Ravel and his admirers.
Similar compositions
Ravel’s Sonatina is a transitional work, both neoclassical and impressionist. To search for similar pieces is to explore composers who shared these stylistic concerns, either as contemporaries of Ravel, as predecessors who inspired him, or as successors whom he influenced .
Here are some compositions, suites or collections similar to Ravel’s Sonatina:
Other piano works by Ravel
own piano work .
Le Tombeau de Couperin, M. 68: This is the suite closest in spirit to the Sonatina. Composed during the First World War, it is a suite of 18th-century dances and forms , paying tribute to Ravel’s fallen friends. It is a perfect example of Ravel’s neoclassicism, combining ancient structure with a modern harmonic language.
Mirrors, M. 43: Although more impressionistic and virtuosic than the Sonatina, this suite shares a close attention to the colors and textures of the piano. Pieces such as “The Valley of Bells” or “A Boat on the Ocean ” evoke similar atmospheres to those of the Sonatina.
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61: This suite of waltzes is another exploration of classical form through the prism of Ravel. The fluidity and elegance of the harmonic language are very similar to those of the Sonatina.
Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
The main composer of musical impressionism, Debussy greatly influenced Ravel.
Bergamasque Suite: The piece “Clair de lune” is emblematic of Impressionism, with its harmony and delicate textures. The “Minuet” from this suite is also an excellent example of Debussy’s reinterpretation of classical forms .
For the piano: This suite is an example of Debussy’s approach, combining virtuoso writing (“Toccata”) with a great search for timbre.
Emmanuel Chabrier (1841-1894)
A composer whose finesse and harmonic audacity Ravel admired.
Picturesque Pieces : This piano suite has a colorful character and a subtle humor that greatly inspired Ravel, particularly in his use of harmony.
Gabriel Faur ( 1845-1924)
Ravel’s master , Fauré influenced his taste for clarity , elegance and refinement .
Theme and Variations in C- sharp minor, Op. 73: A piece that explores classical form with a rich harmonic language and great expressiveness, in the spirit of French music of the time.
Other composers
Albert Roussel (1869-1937): His piano works, such as the Suite in F, show a clarity of form and a rhythmic energy that are close to the neoclassical style of Ravel.
Manuel de Falla (1876-1946): De Falla’s piano writing, particularly in the Spanish Pieces , combines great virtuosity with a clarity and precision reminiscent of Ravel, with the added bonus of a Spanish coloring.
(This article was generated by Gemini. And it’s just a reference document for discovering music you don’t know yet.)
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