Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

An independent Mind

Ravel’s determination to follow his own creative path put him at odds with several influential figures in Paris’s musical establishment. Presented by Donald Macleod.

Ravel’s determination to follow his own creative instincts, rather than his formal training, put him at odds with several influential figures in Paris’s musical establishment. As he hovered on the cusp of success, he worried that their disapproval might hold back his career. Presented by Donald Macleod.

Jeux d'eau
Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano

Shéhérazade: 3. L'indifférent
Elly Ameling, soprano
San Francisco Symphony, conducted by Edo de Waart

Valses Nobles et Sentimentales
Orchestre du Capitole de Toulouse, conducted by Michel Plasson

Miroirs, 5. La Vallée des Cloches
Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, piano

Une Barque sur L'océan
Alborada del Gracioso
Berlin Philharmonic, conducted by Pierre Boulez

59 minutes

Music Played

  • Maurice Ravel

    Jeux d'eau

    Performer: Jean‐Yves Thibaudet.
    • DECCA : 433 515-2-.
    • DECCA.
    • 4.
  • Maurice Ravel

    Sheherazade (No 3, L' indifferent)

    Performer: San Francisco Symphony. Singer: Elly Ameling. Conductor: Edo de Waart.
    • PHILIPS : 410043-2.
    • PHILIPS.
    • 1.
  • Maurice Ravel

    Valses nobles et sentimentales

    Orchestra: Toulouse Capitole Orchestra. Conductor: Michel Plasson.
    • ERATO : 5419775290.
    • ERATO.
    • 2.
  • Maurice Ravel

    Miroirs (No 5, La Vallee des cloches)

    Performer: Jean-Efflam Bavouzet.
    • MDG : 604 1190-2.
    • MGD.
    • 12.
  • Maurice Ravel

    Une barque sur l'ocean

    Orchestra: Berliner Philharmoniker. Conductor: Pierre Boulez.
    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON : 439-859-2.
    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON.
    • 9.
  • Maurice Ravel

    Alborado del gracioso

    Orchestra: Berliner Philharmoniker. Conductor: Pierre Boulez.
    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON : 439-859-2.
    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON.
    • 10.

Broadcast

  • Tue 4 Mar 2025 16:00

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

The complete set of Radio 3 Beethoven Unleashed podcasts, with Donald Macleod.

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

Georgia Mann and neurosurgeon Henry Marsh examine the composer's numerous health problems

Composers A to Z

Composers A to Z

Visit the extensive audio archive of Radio 3 programmes about Composers and their works.

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

The production team reflects on 5 of Donald Macleod’s best stories from the last 20 years

Five reasons why we love Parry's Jerusalem

What is the strange power of Jerusalem which makes strong men weep?

A man out of time – why Parry's music and ideas were at odds with his image...

The composer of Jerusalem was very far from the conservative figure his image suggests.

Composer Help Page

Find resources and contacts for composers from within the classical music industry.