Ravel & Music Lessons

Sonatine Mv. 2: ‘Mouvement de Minuet’ Ravel (1875-1937)

“Immortal, Invisible God Only Wise”

Improvisation

A few weeks ago I played the first movement to Ravel’s Sonatine. This week is the second movement, a curious but charming ’minuet’ — an old dance form in three beats to the bar.

The story is told that George Gershwin asked Ravel to give him lessons. Ravel replied, “How much do you earn a year from your compositions?” “Around $1,000,000,” replied Gershwin. “In that case,” said Ravel, “You should give *me* lessons!”


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