Ravel: Man and Musician (Dover Books On Music: Composers)

Fast read.Lots of footnotes - almost distracting at times but helpful most of the time.At the end, I'm only left with an adumbration of who Ravel was as a person.

This book is a must-read about Ravel and his music. I’ve returned to it again and again over the past 20-plus years. This most recent copy was a gift to a highly-gifted composition student of mine, upon his graduation from high school. I’m confidant that he will cherish it as much as I do.

Compelling, informative and readable. This book gives an excellent introduction to Ravel’s life as a composer, friend, and a son. Finished it in two sittings. Highly recommend!

I recommend this book to anyone interested in French music of the late 19th-early 20th c.

Bought as a gift for my mother, who says it's very good.

When reading composer biographies, I am particularly interested in getting to know the composer as a person. Yes, descriptions of works are important, but I have to have the "story" of the person. This book did not disappoint.