NEW RELEASE: “Salon de Ravel”

On March 7, 2025, Ukrainian pianist, composer, and improviser Marina Baranova will release her new album “Salon de Ravel” under the Berlin Classics label. This album marks the 150th birthday of Maurice Ravel, who was born in 1875 in the French coastal town of Ciboure. “Salon de Ravel” is a carefully curated collection that intertwines Ravel's works with compositions by Borodin, Haydn, Chabrier, Fauré, Couperin, and Grieg, alongside an original piece by Baranova, inspired by Ravel’s distinctive style.

A Musical Time Journey
Marina Baranova describes her album as a journey through time. "I have often wondered what it would be like to communicate directly with the great composers of the past," she reflects. "Ravel has always fascinated me—his music is a blend of sophistication and deep emotion."

In Salon de Ravel, Baranova takes the listener on an exploration of the inspirations behind Ravel’s works. Not only does she interpret his famous compositions, but she also revisits his tributes to fellow composers such as Borodin and Chabrier. She reimagines pieces like Menuet sur le nom de Haydn and Berceuse sur le nom de Gabriel Fauré for solo piano, bringing fresh perspectives to these timeless compositions. As a composer, she contributes her own homage by crafting a Prelude in Ravel’s style. "This album is both a birthday tribute to Ravel and an expression of my deep admiration for his artistry," she explains. "My composition, 'A la manière de Ravel,' is my attempt to capture his musical language while integrating my own perspective."

A Salon of Sounds
Baranova also sees Salon de Ravel as a homage to the salon culture of the early 20th century, which significantly influenced Ravel’s music. "Salons were places of connection and exchange, much like the musical gatherings I experienced as a child in my home in Kharkiv," she shares. "I want to revive that atmosphere of open dialogue through my music."

In line with this vision, she recently opened a music salon in Villa Seligmann, Hannover, where she invites fellow musicians to themed evenings or spontaneous improvisations. The album’s title “Salon de Ravel” not only references this tradition of salon music but also creates a space where diverse musical influences converge. Baranova carefully selected pieces that highlight Ravel’s ability to engage in a musical dialogue with other composers. "Ravel loved to adopt the styles of his predecessors and enrich them with his own voice," she notes. "That kind of musical exchange continues to inspire me to this day."

Bridging Past and Present
With Salon de Ravel, Marina Baranova transcends historical boundaries, underscoring the timeless relevance of Ravel’s music. "Music is a universal language—it allows us to connect with the great masters of the past while paving new paths for the future."

This album is a heartfelt tribute to Maurice Ravel and a gift to all lovers of piano music who appreciate the dialogue between tradition and innovation. Through her artistic versatility and deep engagement with cultural themes, Baranova has crafted Salon de Ravel into a truly unique listening experience.