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Maurice Ravel's "Ma mère l'Oye" (Mother Goose) is a delightful suite of music originally composed for piano four hands (two pianists playing on one piano) in 1908. It was later orchestrated by Ravel in 1911. Here are some interesting facts about this enchanting piece:

1. Inspiration from Fairy Tales: The suite is inspired by various fairy tales, including stories by Charles Perrault and Madame d'Aulnoy. Ravel was drawn to the magical and whimsical elements of these tales, and he incorporated their themes into the music.

2. Originally for Children: Ravel initially composed "Ma mère l'Oye" for the children of his friends, the Godebski family. He later decided to publish it as a suite for piano and then orchestrated it.

3. Orchestration: Ravel's orchestration of "Ma mère l'Oye" is particularly notable for its delicate and colorful instrumentation. He used a wide variety of instruments to capture the different moods and characters of the fairy tales, including harp, celesta, and glockenspiel.

4. Five Movements: The suite consists of five movements, each based on a different fairy tale:

   • "Pavane de la Belle au bois dormant" (Pavane of the Sleeping Beauty)
   • "Petit Poucet" (Tom Thumb)
   • "Laideronnette, impératrice des pagodes" (Laideronnette, Empress of the Pagodas)
   • "Les entretiens de la Belle et de la Bête" (Conversations of Beauty and the Beast)
   • "Le jardin féerique" (The Fairy Garden)

5. Subtle and Exquisite: Ravel's orchestration in "Ma mère l'Oye" is known for its subtlety and delicacy. He was a master of orchestration, and in this suite, he showcases his ability to create lush and imaginative textures.

6. Popular for Ballet: The suite has been used for ballet productions, most notably by the Ballets Russes in 1912. It was choreographed by the renowned ballet dancer and choreographer Vaslav Nijinsky.

7. Influence on Disney: Ravel's music from "Ma mère l'Oye" is believed to have influenced the music of Disney's animated film "Beauty and the Beast," especially the scenes in the enchanted castle. Disney's use of orchestration and storytelling through music owes a debt to Ravel's work.

8. Timeless Appeal: "Ma mère l'Oye" continues to be a beloved and frequently performed work in the classical music repertoire. Its enchanting melodies and vivid orchestration make it a favorite among both musicians and audiences.

9. Ravel's Legacy: Maurice Ravel is considered one of the most important composers of the 20th century, and "Ma mère l'Oye" is just one example of his innovative and imaginative approach to music. His contributions to impressionism and orchestration have had a lasting impact on classical music.

10. Ravel's Fascination with Childhood: Ravel had a lifelong fascination with childhood and fairy tales, which is reflected not only in "Ma mère l'Oye" but also in other compositions such as "L'Enfant et les sortilèges" (The Child and the Spells), an opera he composed in the 1920s.

"Ma mère l'Oye" remains a delightful and enchanting musical journey that captures the magic and wonder of childhood and fairy tales through the artistry of Maurice Ravel.