(Composed and performed by Reynold D. Philipsek 2015 copyright Zino-Rephi Music BMI)
Engineer: Stymie Seamans
Since I first became aware of Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) while taking some college music courses in my early twenties, he has been my favorite composer.
My interest in his music has led to several visits to his home/museum outside of Paris. I also have collected every biography and book about him or his music in English that I could find. I now have about 25 such books. In short, Maurice Ravel is a sort of “hobby” for me.
Ravel’s music can be “otherworldly” and ethereal but always solidly put together.
This short solo guitar piece is an attempt to write something in his style. This piece is really a sort of pastiche of “Ravelian” snippets or phrases and harmonies that echo his style.
The type of “closed” harmonies Ravel liked so much are sometimes difficult to do on guitar but it is not impossible. By the way, “Le Belvedere” (beautiful view) is what Ravel called his magical little home in Montfort L’Amaury.
Be kind.
Love,
Reyn