On Ravel’s Piano Work<Valses Nobles Et Sentimentales>:the Structure Of Sound

The research of this thesis is based on the study of<Valses Nobles et Sentimentales> composed by Joseph-Maurice Ravel (March7,1875-December28,1937). The study on its synthesized sound is further concentrated on theories of piano performance. The content is mainly structured by the analysis on the piece and the exposition of performance, which will clearly demonstrate the full account of Ravel’s creativity.Ravel was an impressionist French composer between the late19th and early20th centuries. While the trend of impressionism seem to have influenced Ravel’s early works, however, his later developments show us that he reared his own independent style in time. Breaking free from impressionism, his works gradually became unprecedentedly vivid and lively. Based on the French musical culture, Ravel’s music reveals his well-appreciated creativity and sound combining technic as the master of orchestral music theory. Therefore, Ravel’s works take up a significant role in French music history. During forty years of composing, he produced sixty pieces and the majority of them were instrumental music. These also included fifteen piano works, eight chamber music, two piano concertos, a few ballet music, etc.By the analysis of combined rhythm, combined harmony and combined tonality, this study will be able to identify the basis of performance theory. Ravel’s work falls into three major periods. The first period can be described as the years when his works were influenced by other composers, including Claude-Achille Debussy (22August1862-25March1918). The second period of Ravel’s composing represents his matured neo-classic style. Finally, the First World War had brought a vital impact on the third period of Ravel’s work. Due to this historical turning point, he succeeded in constructing his unique and innovative musical world.The<Vales Nobles et Sentimentales> produced in1911, which was during his second period of composing, carries the ideas of both Classicism and Impressionism. The major feature of this piece can be examined upon its vivid melody, the energetic rhythm, the traditional structure, precisely balanced phrase, and the detailed impressionistic harmony. In conclusion, the results of the examinations on the subjects including the separation of tones, pedals, and finger touch will present the implication of Ravel’s pieces in depth.