“A genius of perfection”. This is how musicologist, composer and music educator Peter Cahn described Maurice Ravel (7 March 1875 – 28 December 1937), whose 150th birthday will take place in 2025. Is he a late romantic, an impressionist, an avant-gardist? It is difficult to place this composer. Ravel was a highly individual artist who went his own way and left behind fascinating creations. In particular, his piano music forms an integral part of the standard repertoire. The Piano Concerto in G major, the Concerto for the Left Hand and “Jeux d'eau” (Water Games) reveal the full spectrum of his mastery. Atmospheric sound magic and dreamy rubato are juxtaposed with rhythmic drive, rapid tempi and breathtaking virtuosity. Cahn aptly described these opposing poles as “a unique combination of coolness and sensuality”.

French music of the 18th to 20th centuries forms an important and constantly growing focus within the Barenreiter catalogue, which also includes Ravel's solo concertos, piano and chamber music.