J'eux d'eau

Let's continue our theme of classical pieces with names that describe their inspiration! French composer, Maurice Ravel, is a master of impressionism. Impressionist composers aimed at writing music that portray emotions and moods aroused by a subject. Imagine visual artists such as Monet, Renoir, or Degas--these artists are depicting emotional impressions of a subject rather than their physical details. Composers of the impressionist period do this in a musical way.

Ravel

Let's listen to Ravel's solo piano piece, J'eux d'eau, to get an idea of impressionism. J'eux d'eau generally translates to fountains, playing water, or water games. The piece is inspired by the sounds of water. Ravel aims to create musical sounds that cause listener's to think of spraying water, trickling streams, brooks, and cascading waterfalls. The piece was publically premiered in 1902.

Listen

Below is a video of the piece, played by Martha Argerich, one of my absolute favorite pianists. She is a legend. This was recorded in 1962. (She is still performing!) Listen for how soft her touch is and how effortlessly she plays these cascading notes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_36x1_LKgg

Do you hear the sounds of water in this piece? The contrast in this piece is absolutely brilliant. You begin with a small trickle and escalate to gushing rapids. Despite the depiction of water, this piece is quite emotional.