The combination of St�phane Mallarm�'s esoteric poetry and Maurice Ravel's elusive tonal language presents a multitude of methodological problems for both analysts and performers attempting to study the Trois po�mes de St�phane Mallarm� (1913). While extant analyses of these songs draw on pitch content to make observations about Ravel's interpretation of the text, they fail to consider the fundamental structural importance of Mallarm�'s poetry. In his autobiographical sketch, Ravel noted that Mallarm�'s "prï¿ ...
Read More
The combination of St�phane Mallarm�'s esoteric poetry and Maurice Ravel's elusive tonal language presents a multitude of methodological problems for both analysts and performers attempting to study the Trois po�mes de St�phane Mallarm� (1913). While extant analyses of these songs draw on pitch content to make observations about Ravel's interpretation of the text, they fail to consider the fundamental structural importance of Mallarm�'s poetry. In his autobiographical sketch, Ravel noted that Mallarm�'s "pr�ciosit� so full of meaning" inspired him to compose the Trois po�mes. By using the archaic French word pr�ciosit�, which carries significant literary connotations, Ravel suggests that his understanding of Mallarm�'s pr�ciosit� served as the compositional impetus for these songs. After establishing Ravel's life-long affinity for Mallarm�'s Symbolist structures and formal improprieties, this book will present a detailed analysis of "Soupir" and "Placet futile." Both scholars and performers can benefit from these analyses, as they provide insight into the complex structures and symbolic content in Ravel's composition.
Read Less
