Summary: In my study, I pursue yet another connection, namely the influence of the Caucasus and Central Asia upon Ravel's Gaspard de la nuit . In this case, I give particular attention to the traditional performance style of the santur (Iranian hammer dulcimer) and to related stylistic features, in such areas as texture, modality, and rhythm, as well as to stylistic intricacies characteristic of Ravel's music. As a pianist, myself, I examine such features as fingering, hand distribution, dynamics, pedaling, and touch adjustments employed in piano playing. I also look into rhythmic motifs that can be related to a variety of Middle Eastern origins. By conducting this research, I hope to shed further light on the links between Western art music and world music and to gain a better understanding of the creative aspects of music making in general.