<i>Transcrite Par L'Auteur</i>: Analyzing and Performing the Piano-Vocal Scores of Maurice Ravel's Operas

The two operas of Maurice Ravel, L’heure espagnole and L’enfant et les sortilèges, are, like most of the composer’s works, known for their innovative orchestrations and instrumental flourishes. However, the piano-vocal scores of the operas have their own unique qualities worthy of study. With the piano writing at times fiendishly difficult—standing toe-to-toe with Ravel’s solo piano music—the score demands simplification, particularly for less experienced performers serving as accompanist or rehearsal pianist for these works. Many sections of the music are impractical or even impossible for a single pianist to perform, but this study offers alternate solutions and simplifications for pianists who are performing these works (in full or in excerpt) or playing the vocal scores as rehearsal pianists. Additionally, this study offers such pianists brief historical context for these works and suggestions of other Ravel works for study or listening which can help with stylistic choices.