Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683–1764)

Jean-Philippe Rameau was born in Dijon in 1683, the son of an organist. He spent the first part of his life as an organist in several provincial cities (notably Clermont-Ferrand) and published a first book of harpsichord pieces as early as 1706.

In 1722 his Treatise on Harmony made him famous: it explains chords in terms of their “fundamental bass” and lays foundations of harmonic theory that are still taught today. Settled in Paris, he published his Pièces de clavessin in 1724 (including Les Tendres Plaintes and the Tambourin) and, around 1727, his Nouvelles suites, which contain La Poule and Les Sauvages.

Only in 1733, at fifty, did he make his opera debut with Hippolyte et Aricie. Les Indes galantes (1735), Castor et Pollux (1737) and many other stage works followed, making him Lully’s successor and sparking passionate quarrels between his supporters and opponents.

His music combines rich, daring harmony with a keen sense of theatre and rhythm. The dances from his operas, full of energy, are among the most colourful pages of the French Baroque.

At the piano, his harpsichord pieces develop agility, precise ornaments and a feel for character, and they sit very well on the modern instrument.