He was a natty dresser, a reckless driver, a lover of cats, mechanical toys, and American jazz. Most of all, he was an exquisite composer. Frequently pigeonholed as an Impressionist, he could certainly evoke mood and atmosphere in his music, but he also expressed himself with the transparency and precision of a classicist. I’ve posted a lot about Maurice Ravel over the years. On the 150th anniversary of his birth, here are links to just a few of my past observations. If you’re interested, I hope you’re able to access everything.

Merci, Maurice Ravel!

Ravel’s love of toys

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=559132580920703&set=a.279006378933326

Ravel and cats (there are multiple images, so you’ll have to click “view post” at the upper right after following the link)

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2064327513734528&set=pcb.2064339847066628

Ravel and Gershwin (and, by extension, jazz)

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1265378057714588&set=a.883855802533484

Ravel and Vaughan Williams (again, there are multiple images, so you’ll have to click “view post” at the upper right after following the link)

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1057531578499238&set=pcb.1057534635165599

Ravel and war

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=784646281702664&set=a.279006378933326

Ravel’s “Bolero” (multiple images, so you’ll have to click “view post” at the upper right after following the link)

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1253515038900890&set=pcb.1253593182226409

Ravel delays possible

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1176348285865793&set=a.279006378933326