Maurice Ravel: Variations on His Life and Work

by Hans Heinz Stuckenschmidt

Stuckenschmidt, Hans Heinz

Genres: Music

208 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1982

Reviews

[Marianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I skimmed this book for specific information rather than read in full.

This gives some excellent, rare-r information on Ravel. Although it's a little verbose at times, the prose is still pretty enjoyable. In addition, this book feels very close to its source - this is an older book, and the interviews within that involve close acquaintances of the original composer are very good and enlightening! The ending made me tear up a bit as Ravel's death drew near - Stuckenschmidt paints a very vivid portrait of his subject.

Also worth noting, I really appreciated the index in the back of the book, and especially the succinct chronological timeline of important events in Ravel's life!

One of my more-favorite Ravel books. Definitely worth looking into.

4 stars out of 5

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 1966 biography is excellent and an enjoyable read (translated into English 1968). So many things presented here that I’ve not seen in other bios. This books avoids musical analysis, for the most part. One would have liked the inclusion of some historical photos (e.g. in place of a verbal description of Leyritz’s bust sculpture.)

I have found other books of Stuckenschmidt equally valuable and rich in detail. I also plan to read his book on Busoni as well.