Maurice Ravel’s “Ma mère l’Oye” (Mother Goose) is a captivating and imaginative work that showcases the French composer’s exceptional skill in creating evocative, fairy-tale-inspired music. Born in 1875, Ravel is celebrated for his mastery of orchestration and his distinct impressionistic style. Composed in 1910 as a piano duet and later orchestrated, “Ma mère l’Oye” unfolds as a suite of delicate miniatures, each inspired by classic fairy tales.
The suite’s enchanting simplicity and harmonic sophistication make it a hallmark of Ravel’s musical language. The five movements, including “Pavane of Sleeping Beauty,” “Tom Thumb,” and “The Fairy Garden,” transport listeners into a whimsical world where childhood fantasies come to life. The orchestration is rich and colourful, reflecting Ravel’s meticulous attention to timbral details and his ability to evoke vivid sonic imagery.
“Ma mère l’Oye” also holds historical significance as one of the early 20th-century works that signalled a departure from the grandiose orchestral traditions of the late 19th century. Ravel’s delicate yet innovative approach to orchestration, coupled with his imaginative thematic material, places this suite firmly within the impressionist movement. The work demonstrates Ravel’s ability to capture the magic of childhood in music and serves as a cherished gem within the repertoire of 20th-century orchestral compositions.
Listening Project 