An overview of Maurice Ravel's piano music and technical and musical analysis of his album "Miroirs"

This study examines the life of one of the greatest composers of France, Maurice Ravel, whose work contributed to the development of music in both Europe and the United States. His piano music and five piece album Miroirs which has a significant place in his piano repertoire is analysed in light of the changes and developments in music in the 20th century. Being a son of a Swiss engineer father and a Basque mother, Ravel combined his colorful ethnic identity with his substantial creativity and used it as inspiration for his work. Studied for a long period of time in one of the most significant conservatoires in Europe, Paris Conservatory, besides the artistic progress achieved, he also gained recognition in the artistic communities of Paris and later found a place with his friends in these communities. Besides the music he composed for ballet, chamber music, enstrumental duos and choral music, the rich repertoire he composed for piano still holds its popularity and significance. Influenced by master composers such as Mozart, Saint-Saëns, Debussy and Gershwin, he also influenced composers after him with inventions and innovations of his piano music. In this study, his album Mirrois, which improved impressionist movement and made Ravel one of its greatest representatives, is analysed contextually and musically and regarding piano technique.