Jean-Philippe Rameau

Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683–1764) was a leading French composer and music theorist of the Baroque era. Born in Dijon, he spent the latter part of his career in Paris and exerted a lasting influence on music history through his Traité de l’harmonie, which sought to systematize the principles of harmony. As a composer, he wrote extensively for the harpsichord as well as for the stage, leaving works such as his collections of harpsichord pieces and the opera Les Indes galantes. His music combines clear, dance-based rhythms with refined ornamentation, rich harmony, and vivid tonal color. Much of the repertoire performed on the piano today was originally written for harpsichord. In pieces such as the Allemande in A minor and the excerpts from the Pièces de clavecin en concerts—including L’agacante, L’indiscrete, La Livri, and La timide—his wit, rhythmic character, and elegant craftsmanship remain clearly perceptible.