Jean-Philippe Rameau Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Gavotte and Six VariationsJean-Philippe Rameau8rank/position

Rameau – Suite en la Gavotte et six Doubles / Natacha Kudritskaya @festival1001notes

The performer of “Gavotte and Six Variations” is Natasha Kudrytska, born in Ukraine in 1983.

She is a young pianist who won First Prize at the Vibrarte International Music Competition and the Robert Casadesus Prize, and in 2009 received the Grand Prix of the Safran Foundation.

Her performance of “Gavotte and Six Variations” weaves delicate tones that lead us into a poetic world.

Gavotte and VariationsJean-Philippe Rameau9rank/position

Rameau　Gavotte et doubles

This is a beautiful piece that captures the essence of Baroque music.

It unfolds through six variations based on the dance form known as the gavotte, distinguished by intricate harmonies and rich expressiveness.

Beginning with a concise melody and gradually increasing in complexity, its structure keeps the listener engaged.

The virtuosic performance—making full use of the qualities of the harpsichord or piano—is another highlight, and since its publication in the 1720s, it has continued to be beloved by many performers up to the present day.

It’s a recommended piece not only for those interested in Baroque music but also for students of piano and classical music.

Listening to a dazzling performance can’t help but deepen one’s admiration for pianists.

Pièces de clavecin and Fingering Method No. 1 (Suite No. 2), No. 10 “The Village Maiden”Jean-Philippe Rameau10rank/position

[Gilels] Rameau: La Villageoise for Piano

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 Rameau11rank/position

Rameau: Pièces de clavecin and Method of Playing - No. 1 (Second Suite) “Le Rappel des Oiseaux” Fujisawa, Arisa

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.

Harpsichord Pieces and Fingering Method No. 1 (Second Suite), Nos. 6 and 7: “Rigaudon”Jean-Philippe Rameau12rank/position

Rameau – Rigaudon

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.

Pièces de clavecin and Fingering Method, No. 1 (Suite No. 2), No. 8: “Musette in Rondo Form”Jean-Philippe Rameau13rank/position

Mayu Fukumoto: From Rameau’s Pièces de clavecin — “La Fanfaronnette,” “Musette in Rondeau Form,” and “Les trois mains (Three Hands)”

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.

Harpsichord Pieces and Fingering No. 1 (Second Suite), No. 9: “Tambourin”Jean-Philippe Rameau14rank/position

Pièces de clavecin, Book I – Suite No. 2: “Tambourin” : Composed by Rameau / Tambourin : 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.