Maurice Ravel

Ma Mere L'oye

Maurice Ravel’s (1875-1937) Ma mère l’Oye (“Mother Goose”) draws its inspiration from the fairy tales of Charles Perrault, Madame d’Aulnoy, and Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont. Ravel composed the first movement “Pavane de la Belle au Bois Dormant” in September of 1908, and after some encouragement from his publisher Jacques Durand, the remaining four movements were added between 1908 and 1910. The piece sought to both be performable by children and also to reflect the world of childhood. Dedicated to the two children of his friends the Godebskis, Ravel intended for them to premier the piece. However, when the piece proved too difficult for the pair, it was instead premiered at a concert in the Salle Gaveau in 1910 by 11-year old pianist Jeanne Leleu and 14-year old Geneviève Durony. In 1911, Ravel wrote an orchestral version of the suite, which became the basis of the ballet which was performed in January 1912. Instrumentation: 2(1dPicc).2(1dEH).2.2(1dCBsn): 2.0.0.0: Timp.Perc(4): Hp.Clst: Str(9-8-7-6-5 in set).