Ravel and Neoclassicism: Dialogues with the Past in Modernist Contexts

Abstract

Maurice Ravel’s connection to Impressionism frequently eclipses the intricacy and diversity of his compositional style. This dissertation examines Ravel’s relationship with Neoclassicism, highlighting his fusion of classical forms and innovative harmonic creativity. The first chapter explores Ravel’s formative years with Les Apaches, a collective of artists who influenced his artistic trajectory. The second chapter investigates Ravel’s wartime experiences and the role of Neoclassicism during the interwar period in the Franco-German musical context. The final chapter analyzes Le Tombeau de Couperin, illustrating Ravel’s use of Neoclassical elements to address personal and national themes in the post-World War I era. This dissertation contends that Ravel’s Neoclassicism was not merely a stylistic adoption but a deeply personal and philosophical stance. His music reveals an unwavering commitment to artistic integrity, striking a balance between reverence for tradition and forward-thinking innovation.