Jean-Philippe Rameau Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Harpsichord Suite 1728 — Suite in A minorJean-Philippe Rameau29rank/position

Rameau – Suite A-minor 1728

This piece, which embodies the very essence of French Baroque music, brings out the full allure of the harpsichord.

While grounded in traditional dance forms, it captivates listeners through inventive variations and harmonic writing.

In particular, movements such as “Les Trois Mains” and “La Fanfairinette” showcase Rameau’s distinctive virtuosity.

Published in 1728, this suite is perfect for those who wish to savor the depth of Baroque music or explore the expressive capabilities of the harpsichord.

Some movements exude an exotic flavor, offering a glimpse of the splendor of 18th-century courtly culture through music.

Harpsichord Suite 1724 (Suite in D)Jean-Philippe Rameau30rank/position

19. J.P.Rameau – Les Cyclopes (Rondeau) – Pièces de Clavecin (Scott Ross)

This masterpiece, composed for the harpsichord by a baroque master renowned as an iconic figure of France, is distinguished by its graceful, emotive melodies, intricate rhythms, and rich harmonies.

Each movement vividly depicts different scenes and emotions.

For example, in the movement “The Whirlwind,” the fierce motion of the wind is conveyed through the music, drawing listeners into the work’s world.

Published in 1724, the piece is also famous as a challenging work that tests a harpsichordist’s skill.

It is highly recommended for those who wish to savor the allure of Baroque music and enjoy the delicate expression of emotion through sound.

NaïsJean-Philippe Rameau31rank/position

Naïs (pastorale héroïque, 1748)

Rameau’s fourth opera, premiered in 1749, was Naïs, commissioned to celebrate the conclusion of the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–48) with the Treaty of Aachen.

The work is a heroic pastoral depicting the battle between Jupiter and the Titan giants.

The Princess of NavarreJean-Philippe Rameau32rank/position

Jean-Philippe Rameau – La princesse de Navarre

In his youth, Rameau aspired to a legal career, and he did not begin to gain fame as a composer until after his forties.

With The Queen of Navarre (1744, libretto by Voltaire), he was awarded the title of Composer to the French Royal Court, firmly establishing his position.

The conductor of this performance of The Queen of Navarre, Nicholas McGegan, is one of the foremost conductors of Baroque music.

PygmalionJean-Philippe Rameau33rank/position

J. Rameau – Opera «Pigmalion» | Hervé Niquet Le Concert Spirituel Ensemble

Jean-Philippe Rameau turned a story about a king from Greek mythology into a short, one-act opera with ballet, the acte de ballet.

Pygmalion, the king of Cyprus, carves a statue of his ideal woman, Galatea, falls in love with the sculpture, and becomes so besotted that he cannot leave her side and wastes away, nearly dying.

Moved by pity, Aphrodite breathes life into the statue, and Pygmalion marries Galatea, now human—this is the Greek myth.

Rameau’s superb compositional skill and the tale of Pygmalion (premiered in 1748) blend brilliantly into a wonderful work.

Incidentally, the “Pygmalion” in the Pygmalion effect also derives from the name of this mythic king.

As a short opera with ballet, it’s very easy to listen to.

PlatéeJean-Philippe Rameau34rank/position

Rameau: Platée (Opéra Complet)

A Baroque masterpiece that was highly acclaimed in 18th-century France.

The opera Platée is a unique work that deftly satirizes the jealousy of the gods and premiered at the Palace of Versailles in 1745.

Centered on the uncomely water nymph Platée, its tale of divine scheming and human folly envelops the audience in laughter.

The music is marked by lively, dazzling dances and rich harmonies, with quirky rhythms that strikingly symbolize Platée’s delusions.

Blending comic elements with musical beauty, this work is highly recommended for anyone who wants to fully savor the allure of Baroque opera.

Contradance in rondo form (Abarrisse)Jean-Philippe Rameau35rank/position

Les Boréades, Act 5: Contredanses très vives

In September 1764, at the age of 81, the great master of the French Baroque, composer Rameau, brought his life to a close.

His final work was the opera Les Boréades (The North Wind), composed in 1764.

Its most famous number is a rondeau-style contredanse, a dramatically stirring piece that moves the soul.