h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Thanks for this good article on Ravel

I also enjoyed the article. My music theory prof tells a story about Ravel, possibly apocryphal. At the first performance of Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" in Paris (I think), a full blown riot broke out, with the conservative music fans outraged at the style of the music. People were punching each other, flailing away with umbrellas, etc. The conservative faction was reportedly led by the Academy types, maybe Saint-Saens? The defenders of Stravinsky were led by Ravel, as the story goes. The prof wistfully wishes that people still cared that strongly bout art music ...

I didn't know that one! Ravel certainly felt very strongly about music ... I think I agree with your prof ...

Thank you for an informative article. I enjoyed reading it very much. I would like to hear some of the compostitions you mentioned.

A very good entry, Kes.

Ravel was the first composer I ever listened to as a child *okay, the VERY first one was Chopin, but I don't count him in, as I am Polish,lol!), so I have a sentimental drive for him

My favourite one is the Pavanne for a dead princess and of course his Bolero as well.

Funny thing about Bolero and sport: did you know, that many people bought this piece after the Sarajevo-Olimpiade? It was because of the performance in artistic skating by Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean.

Yes - I remember that performance! Glad you liked the article.