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[Rameau’s Piano Pieces] A curated selection of harpsichord works by a Baroque master
Jean-Philippe Rameau, a composer born in France in 1683.
It is said that he was familiar with music from an early age because his father was an organist, and he is especially known for leaving many works for the harpsichord.
In this article, we have carefully selected harpsichord pieces by Rameau that are also beloved today in piano performance.
We will introduce them along with the background of their composition and videos of piano performances.
If you want to master the performance practice of Baroque works or simply love music from the Baroque era, be sure to check it out.
[Rameau’s Piano Pieces] A Curated Selection of the Harpsichord Works Left by a Baroque Master (1–10)
New Harpsichord Suite Collection No. 1 (Suite No. 4), No. 7: Gavotte and Six VariationsJean-Philippe Rameau
Jean-Philippe Rameau, a composer active during the French Baroque era, is known for leaving a large number of works for the harpsichord.
“Gavotte and Six Variations” is one piece included in his renowned collection, New Suites of Harpsichord Pieces, Book I.
Comprising a theme based on the rhythm of a gavotte and six variations, the work is characterized by delicately and intricately ornamented melodies, and each variation offers its own expressive character and technical demands.
It is highly recommended for those interested in Baroque music or looking to refine their performance skills on the harpsichord or piano.
New Harpsichord Suite No. 2 (Suite No. 5) No. 9 “The Egyptian Woman”Jean-Philippe Rameau
Jean-Philippe Rameau, a towering figure of the Baroque, is said to have held a pivotal place in the French musical world of his time, and his compositional techniques and musical imagination continue to exert a profound influence on modern pianists.
“L’Égyptienne,” included in the Second Book of the New Suites de pièces de clavecin, is a rare work for its day in its treatment of an exotic subject, and Rameau’s innovative approach is evident throughout in its complex harmonic structures and rhythmic vitality.
It is a highly recommended piece for those wishing to deepen their understanding of Baroque music or to explore the expressive potential of keyboard instruments.
Harpsichord Pieces and Fingering No. 1 (Second Suite), No. 9: “Tambourin”Jean-Philippe Rameau
Jean-Philippe Rameau was a French composer active during the Baroque era.
A towering figure alongside his contemporary Bach, he is especially renowned for his works for the harpsichord.
Tambourin, included in his Pieces de clavecin avec une methode, vividly reflects the characteristics of keyboard music of the time.
The key to performance is to render its rhythmic, energetic melody with brilliance, making full use of techniques such as ornamentation and trills.
It’s an ideal piece for those who want to master Baroque performance practice or who are interested in music from before the Classical period.
New Harpsichord Suite No. 1 (Suite No. 4), No. 5: “Little Fanfare”Jean-Philippe Rameau
Jean-Philippe Rameau, a composer who epitomizes French Baroque music, received musical training from an early age and left many works for opera and harpsichord.
The fifth piece in his New Suite for Harpsichord No.
1 bears the charming title “Little Fanfare.” Although it opens with a figure reminiscent of a fanfare, it soon shifts to gentle phrases; some say it portrays a talkative young girl.
Eschewing a succession of heavy chords and favoring liveliness over solemnity, this piece is an ideal entry point into Baroque music for piano learners.
Harpsichord Pieces and Fingering, No. 2 (Third Suite), No. 1: “Gentle Plea”Jean-Philippe Rameau
Jean-Philippe Rameau was a leading composer and music theorist of Baroque-era France.
The “No.
2 (Third Suite), 1st piece” from his Collection of Harpsichord Pieces with Fingering is a beautiful work also known by the title “L’Entretien des Muses” (“The Gentle Plea” or “The Tender Appeal”).
Characterized by its graceful, expressive melody, this piece dates from the period when Rameau began to gain recognition in his forties and is regarded as one of the most popular works in his output.
Originally written for the clavecin/harpsichord, it demands a beautiful tone and rich expressivity when performed on the piano.
It is an excellent choice for those who wish to master Baroque ornaments and trills, and for anyone who wants to savor the joy of performing an elegant melody.
Crown PrincessJean-Philippe Rameau
Jean-Philippe Rameau, a composer of the French Baroque period, achieved particular success in opera, and his theoretical treatise, Traité de l’harmonie, stands as a major contribution.
His harpsichord piece La Princesse de Conti is a highly narrative work that depicts a complex web of romantic relationships.
Within its brilliant dance-like character, wistful melodies and rich, weighty harmonies are interwoven, offering a vivid sense of the characters’ inner emotions.
It is a piece brimming with Rameau’s distinctive appeal—highly recommended for those who wish to study Baroque music or take on a work with strong storytelling.
Pièces de clavecin and Fingering Method, No. 1 (Suite No. 2), No. 8: “Musette in Rondo Form”Jean-Philippe Rameau
In Jean-Philippe Rameau’s time, the piano had not yet been invented, and his works were written for the keyboard instrument of the day, the harpsichord.
“Musette in Rondeau Form,” included in his seminal collection Pièces de clavecin avec une méthode (Book I)—a representative work that also reflects his insights into theory and technique—is a piece that combines virtuosity with expressive depth.
Employing the rondeau form, in which the main theme recurs and is interrupted by contrasting episodes, it offers a listener-friendly musical experience.
It is ideal for practicing trills and ornamentation, and is recommended as an entry point to Baroque music.
Minuet in C majorJean-Philippe Rameau
Jean-Philippe Rameau, a composer and music theorist who epitomizes France’s Baroque era.
Immersed in music from an early age, Rameau left numerous works for the harpsichord, and after the age of forty he also achieved remarkable success in opera.
Among his works, the Minuet in C major, written for harpsichord, is an educational piece popular as technical training.
Its bright, cheerful melody and flowing lines are appealing, making it ideal for developing right-hand technique.
It’s a recommended piece for beginners looking to take on an introduction to Baroque music.
Pièces de clavecin and Fingering Method No. 1 (Suite No. 2), No. 10 “The Village Maiden”Jean-Philippe Rameau
Jean-Philippe Rameau, a composer emblematic of the French Baroque era.
“La Villageoise,” included in his Pièces de clavecin avec une méthode (Book I, Second Suite), portrays a pastoral atmosphere and the simplicity of village life.
Its graceful melody and harmony beautifully capture the hallmarks of French Baroque keyboard music.
The effective use of ornaments further highlights its bucolic, cheerful character—one of the work’s great charms.
Ideal as an introduction to Baroque music, this piece is highly recommended for those wishing to try trills and ornaments or to learn performance practice for works of the Baroque period.
Pièces de clavecin and Fingering, No. 1 (Second Suite), No. 5: “The Chirping of Birds”Jean-Philippe Rameau
Jean-Philippe Rameau, born in France in 1683, made significant contributions to the development of Baroque music.
Pièces de clavecin avec une méthode is one of Rameau’s important harpsichord collections and consists of three volumes.
The piece The Warbling of the Birds, included in the Second Suite of the First Book, is a beautiful work that skillfully depicts birdsong.
Its lively, bright melody is embellished with rhythmic ornaments that add brilliance.
This work, distinguished by Rameau’s unique sensibility, the refined sonorities of Baroque music, and rich expressiveness, is recommended for those who wish to learn Baroque performance practice or are interested in nature-themed compositions.