A Surrealist Approach? Ravel’s exploitation of risk as illustrated by “Gaspard de la nuit” (1908) and “L’Enfant et les sortilèges” (1925)

L’exemple de "Gaspard de la nuit" (1908) et de "L’Enfant et les sortilèges" (1925)

Abstract

The present article discusses Ravel’s Gaspard de la nuit (1908) and L’Enfant et les sortilèges (1925) by by allowing a section of each of these works – namely ‘Le gibet’ and ‘Préambule féerique’ – to enter into resonance with the notion of risk-taking and the dictates of the Surrealist movement. While Ravel carries out experiments of an unusual and perilous character with a consummate art, the result is far removed from the Neoclassical perspective from which his works are usually considered.