A masterpiece by Jean-Philippe Rameau. Popular classical music.

Gavotte in D majorJean-Philippe Rameau

A Piece I Admired in Childhood [Rameau: Gavotte in D major]

Based on the dance form of the gavotte and followed by six variations, this piece fully explores the expressive potential of keyboard instruments.

The gavotte theme features a light, dance-like rhythm, and the subsequent variations increase musical complexity through changes in harmonic progression and rhythm.

Published around 1726, the work brilliantly exemplifies the variation technique in Baroque music.

It poses a challenging test of technique on the harpsichord or piano, making it a recommended piece for those interested in Baroque music or captivated by the expressive possibilities of keyboard instruments.

Pièces de clavecin, Book I (Suite No. 1 in A minor): No. 3, Second AllemandeJean-Philippe Rameau

03. J.P.Rameau – Deuxième Allemande – Premier Livre de Pièces de Clavecin (Scott Ross)

This piece is brimming with the charm of Baroque music.

It showcases the distinctive qualities of the clavecin (harpsichord), featuring elegant, flowing melodies that leave a strong impression.

While based on the dance form known as the allemande, it displays Rameau’s characteristic use of harmony and deft contrapuntal technique throughout.

Published in 1706, this work is one of the important collections that formed the foundation of Rameau’s musical theory.

It is a valuable piece that conveys to the present day the music cherished in French courts and aristocratic salons, and is recommended for anyone wishing to savor the essence of Baroque music.

The Gallant Indies (Les Indes galantes)Jean-Philippe Rameau

Rameau. Les Indes Galantes. Danse Des Sauvages

Jean-Philippe Rameau’s masterpiece of opéra-ballet, Les Indes galantes, premiered in Paris in 1735.

With Rameau’s superb compositional technique, the joys and sorrows of the characters are rendered with delicate richness, forming a beautiful sound world of vivid colors—an acclaimed achievement.

Structured as a four-act omnibus opera, it has earned high praise from many artists, with comments such as “poetry, music, and dance are made extraordinarily vivid,” and that it “possesses a curious power to evoke dance movements with striking immediacy.” It is also said to have elevated the opéra-ballet—then regarded as a minor genre—to a high artistic level, making it a distinguished opera that showcases Rameau’s brilliance.

Birdsong (The Call of the Birds)Jean-Philippe Rameau

Rameau / Le rappel des oiseaux by SUGA Sachiko Rameau / Birdsong by SUGA Sachiko

We present a masterpiece that brings out the full expressive power of keyboard instruments.

Nicknamed “Birdsong,” this piece masterfully recreates the sounds of nature in music.

With rapid arpeggios, trills, and ornamentation, it vividly depicts birds calling and answering one another.

Its rhythmic phrases weave a soundscape so evocative that you may feel as if you’re standing in the heart of a forest.

Highly recommended not only for harpsichord and piano enthusiasts but also for anyone captivated by the musicality of nature.

First published in 1724, this work continues to be beloved by many performers today.

Pièces de clavecin, Book I (Suite No. 1 in A minor): I. PreludeJean-Philippe Rameau

01. J.P.Rameau – Prélude – Premier Livre de Pièces de Clavecin (Scott Ross)

Known as a masterpiece for the harpsichord, this work is a celebrated collection that encapsulates the essence of Rameau’s keyboard music.

Distinguished by elegant yet powerful melodies, it also conveys an improvisatory atmosphere.

Its appeal lies in the masterful use of harmonic consonance and shifting tempos to express a striking variety of timbres.

The interplay of tension and release within the piece, along with sudden harmonic turns, captivates the listener.

Published in 1706, this collection helped bring Rameau’s name to wider recognition.

It is highly recommended for those interested in Baroque and harpsichord music, or for anyone who wants to experience innovative elements within an elegant sound world.

Opera ‘Les Boréades’ – Act V, Rihéminia’s EntréeJean-Philippe Rameau

Rameau: Suite Les Boréades, RCT 31 – 9. Entrée d’ Albaris, Polimnie, les Muses, Zéphirs,…

This piece, arguably Jean-Philippe Rameau’s greatest masterpiece, is known as the culmination of his operatic output.

Completed in 1771, it draws on Greek mythology to portray a grand drama of love and freedom.

Its beautiful melodies, rich harmonies, and innovative orchestration vividly convey the unfolding story and the characters’ emotions.

Throughout the work, Rameau’s distinctive blend of delicacy and power is on full display, with particularly striking sonic effects used to depict the might of Boreas, the god of the north wind.

It is highly recommended for those who wish to savor the allure of Baroque music to the fullest, or to enjoy the high artistry born from the fusion of music and narrative.

Harpsichord Pieces, Book I (Suite No. 1 in A minor): No. 7 “The Venetian Woman”Jean-Philippe Rameau

07. J.P.Rameau – Vénitienne – Premier Livre de Pièces de Clavecin (Scott Ross)

A splendid piece by a celebrated French composer of the Baroque era.

Woven with the graceful timbre of the harpsichord, its melody blends the elegance evocative of Venice’s cityscape with ornamentation that reflects Italian influence.

Its lively rhythms and refined harmonies vividly capture the atmosphere of high society at the time, transporting listeners to the elegance of the 18th century.

Published in 1706, this work stands as a symbol of the cultural exchange between French and Italian music, making it highly recommended not only for those interested in Baroque music but also for newcomers to classical music.