Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) was a prominent French composer of the Impressionistic school. He was a transitional composer in that he combined traditional forms with lyrical, romantic melodies and the fresh compositional techniques of impressionism. Ravel’s prolific output is characterized by masterful writing and depth of expression. He wrote primarily for virtuoso performers, producing works for solo piano, voice, chamber ensembles, orchestra, ballet and opera, however, his goal was musical artistry, not technical show. His tuneful melodies are often modal, reminiscent of the Russian masters, and his orchestration abilities inspired and informed every major composer of the 20th Century. Although his harmonies are commonly based on triads, they are often indicated by fifths or octaves. Another distinctive mark of his style is the increased use of dissonance. Through counterpoint, he added non-chord tones that created frequent major sevenths and minor ninths. After WWI, during a reaction against Impressionism as an elitist art form, Ravel persisted in promoting his ideals of musical style. As the preeminent French composer, he traveled in Europe and the United States, conducting his works and lecturing. An automobile accident in 1932 compounded the effects of a deteriorating nervous condition which rendered Ravel unable to compose music during the remainder of his life. His legacy is remarkable in that most of his numerous works are present in the concert repertoire today.
Scott Hartman received his BM and MM degrees from the Eastman School of Music and began his career by joining the Empire Brass Quintet and the Boston University faculty in 1984. As a trombone soloist and with his various chamber ensembles, Scott has taught and played concerts in all fifty United States and throughout the world. Mr. Hartman presently performs and records with Proteus7, the Millennium Brass, the Brass Band of Battle Creek and the trombone quartet – Four of a Kind. Scott heads the trombone departments of Yale University and Boston University. At the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, Mr. Hartman teaches a two-week workshop for aspiring trombonists.
More information concerning Mr. Hartman and his present activities is available at his website – www.slushpump.com
