Maurice Ravel

Wikipedia (1875-1937) [French. Modern period.]
If you're just gonna listen to one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqAlMItkV44

Orchestral Music. Okay, most folks with some awareness of classical music (or figure skating) will know or have heard Bolero. Ravel himself considered Bolero a piece with "no music in it," and was surprised by its popularity. He'd probably freak out if he knew that most people see this as his biggest contribution to classical music.

Bolero
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVhZ1KKtI60

Pavane pour une Infante Defunte
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqAlMItkV44

Ravel also wrote two piano concertos -- one was commissioned by Paul Wittgenstein (brother of philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein), who lost his right arm during World War I, and is composed for left hand only - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ENNXLb3pXI (Hamelin). The other piano concerto is a part of the standard repertoire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq1ueeJucA8 (Argerich)

Piano Music. Ravel was a master at orchestration, but his piano pieces are amazing...

Jeux d'eua (Water Fountain)
[Listen to how her flowing technique sounds like a golden fountain...]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_36x1_LKgg (Argerich)

Miroirs (excerpt)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XEklGdRT6c (Richter)

Gaspard de la nuit (1 - Ondine)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BonP-ilIxwg (Argerich)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_-1qMPDf-A (Thibaudet - if you like to watch sheet music while it's being played)

Chamber Music.

String Quartet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehQMe57TPPM&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PLBCB3A150545F2B6D (Hagen Quarter)