"I've learned a lot from the masters of orchestration, like Ravel and Stravinsky"

Esa-Pekka Salonen, a popular Finnish conductor and composer, highlights the influence of famous composers Maurice Ravel and Igor Stravinsky in his quote about gaining from the "masters of orchestration". This statement shows an appreciation and understanding of the intricacies associated with creating music that is not only technically proficient however also emotionally resonant and innovative.

Ravel and Stravinsky, both critical figures in 20th-century symphonic music, each brought distinct contributions to the realm of orchestration. Ravel was celebrated for his masterful, meticulous technique to setting up music, developing lavish, vibrant tapestries of sound. His ability to control tone color and texture is evident in works such as "Boléro" and "Daphnis et Chloé", where his intricate layering of instruments produces a mesmerizing acoustic experience. Salonen's referral to gaining from Ravel speaks with an appreciation for how orchestration can change melodic concepts into rich, expressive soundscapes.

Stravinsky, on the other hand, was a revolutionary force in music, known for his innovative rhythms and non-traditional use of orchestral forces. His structures like "The Rite of Spring" pushed the boundaries of orchestration, employing novel combinations of instruments and generating new sound worlds that were often identified by bold, contrasting textures. For Salonen, learning from Stravinsky may involve an understanding of how orchestration can challenge traditional musical paradigms and create vibrant, innovative pieces.

In reflecting on his own craft, Salonen acknowledges the profound effect that studying these masters has actually had on his advancement as a musician. By drawing motivation from their special methods and incorporating those insights into his own compositions and performing, he continues to add to the classical music tradition while creating his own path. The quote highlights the significance of tradition in the development of music, where gaining from the greats acts as a foundation for personal and artistic development.