[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.
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Rameau’s Keyboard Pieces: A Curated Selection of the Harpsichord Works Left by a Baroque Master (11–20)
New Harpsichord Suite No. 2 (Suite No. 5), No. 7 “Savages”Jean-Philippe Rameau
Among the harpsichord works left by the Baroque master Jean-Philippe Rameau, one piece especially beloved by modern pianists is The Savages from his New Suite in A Minor (Nouvelles Suites de Pièces de Clavecin).
Reflecting the exoticism that fascinated Europe at the time, the piece at times expresses a raw, primitive sensibility in musical form.
With its pronounced rhythmic character, it exemplifies features of Baroque music while vividly conveying Rameau’s spirit of musical exploration and the social and cultural currents of his era.
Harpsichord Pieces and Fingerings, No. 2 (Third Suite), No. 8: “The One-Eyed Giant”Jean-Philippe Rameau
Jean-Philippe Rameau, a French composer, is one of the leading musicians of the late Baroque period.
“The Cyclops,” the eighth piece in his Pièces de clavecin avec une méthode (Second Book; Third Suite), is a virtuosic and striking work that sonically depicts the monstrous figure from Greek mythology.
Characterized by toccata-like repeated notes and leaping melodies, it demands a high level of technical skill from the performer.
Why not try performing it with attention to the Baroque-specific ornaments and harmonies?
Harpsichord Pieces and Fingering Method No. 1 (Second Suite), Nos. 6 and 7: “Rigaudon”Jean-Philippe Rameau
Rigaudon from Jean-Philippe Rameau’s Pièces de clavecin avec une méthode pour la mécanique des doigts, a representative work of French Baroque music.
The first half of the 18th century, when Rameau lived, was a time before the invention of the piano.
Accordingly, the pieces in this collection are études for the harpsichord, the piano’s predecessor.
This work is performed in a style that alternates between the First Rigaudon and the Second Rigaudon, and both feature strikingly ornate melodies characteristic of Baroque music.
It is recommended for those who want to learn Baroque performance practice or challenge themselves with beautiful ornamentation.
New Harpsichord Suites, No. 2 (Suite No. 5), No. 5: “The Hen”Jean-Philippe Rameau
Jean-Philippe Rameau, a leading composer of the French Baroque and renowned for his works for the harpsichord, published his music theory treatise Treatise on Harmony after the age of forty, which exerted a profound influence on the musical world.
Among his works, The Hen from his New Harpsichord Pieces, Book II—famous for its charming title—is a humorous piece that cleverly depicts a hen’s clucking and movements through sound.
It’s recommended for those who want to study Baroque performance practice or who are interested in works related to animals and nature.
Harpsichord Pieces and Fingering, No. 2 (Third Suite), No. 3: ‘Sigh’Jean-Philippe Rameau
Among the works in Rameau’s Pieces de clavecin with fingering, the piece The Sigh stands out as one of his most introspective for the harpsichord.
As its title suggests, it delicately conveys a sigh-like sense of lament.
The wealth of ornaments, performed according to period practice, captivates listeners, and the rich harmonic palette will enchant even modern pianists.
Highly recommended for those who wish to experience the aesthetics of Baroque music and savor the musical world of Rameau.
In conclusion
We introduced the harpsichord works of the Baroque-era composer Jean-Philippe Rameau! Although these pieces are often performed on the piano today, listening to them on the harpsichord deepens your understanding of the music and makes it easier to grasp the atmosphere. When you take on performing them, try practicing while referring to both piano and harpsichord performances.