Re-interpretation of Robert Gartside’s book Interpreting the songs of Maurice Ravel

Research Paper (undergraduate) from the year 2010 in the subject Sociology - Media, Art, Music, grade: none, language: English, abstract: French composer Ravel, a notorious student of Faure, at the beginning of his academic and music career had a hard time making his name in the musical arena. During his academic years at The Paris Conservatory he failed Harmony three consecutive years, and tried five times to win Prix de Rome but luck was not with him so he did not succeed. In spite of these anguished moments in his life he did not give up and continued his work with strong commitment and determination which brought him to the spotlight later on. His era stats at the end of Romanticism, goes through the Impressionism and ends in the modern period. The French language directly and, the French culture indirectly have deep impact on his style and work. Great music has universal language. It does not matter in which language it has been performed as long as it leaves deep throbbing, thrilling and emotional impression on the audience and the listeners it is considered great. Each listener interprets the music in accordance with his or her own talent, understanding and wisdom, thus there is no single interpretation of music. The performance of the artist, his or her emotions, his or her style, language in which he or she performs and the aesthetic taste of the listeners play an important role in making opinion about great music.