Jean-Philippe Rameau Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

The Lord is our refuge (Deus noster refugium)Jean-Philippe Rameau36rank/position

Deus noster refugium, Grands Motets, Rameau, Les Siècles, Bruno Procopio

The Lord Is Our Refuge (around 1716) is a work in the French Baroque church vocal genre known as the grand motet—choral music accompanied by a relatively large ensemble—first composed by Jean-Philippe Rameau.

Setting Psalm 46 from the Old Testament, it is a sacred piece that expresses gratitude and praise for God as a refuge in times of trouble.

It harmonizes a delicately colored period-instrument ensemble with choir to create a sacred elegance.

Rameau, who was also an organist, went on to compose several more substantial grand motets; even in this work one can hear the rich talent that foreshadows his later blossoming.

The Gallant Indies (Les Indes galantes)Jean-Philippe Rameau37rank/position

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.

The Faithful Shepherd (le Berger fidèle)Jean-Philippe Rameau38rank/position

Rameau, le Berger fidèle, Hélène Guilmette soprano

The Faithful Shepherd, a pastoral drama written by the Italian Giovanni Battista Guarini (1538–1612), was published in 1590 and became immensely popular throughout Europe at the time.

Musicians vied with one another to compose works based on its content.

Rameau, too, composed The Faithful Shepherd as a chamber cantata in 1728, creating a marvelous work that fashioned a world of melodic beauty through balance and harmony.

Preparations of sorrow (Tristes apprêts)Jean-Philippe Rameau39rank/position

Tristes Apprêts, Pâles Flambeaux ENGLISH / FRENCH SUBTITLES

Castor et Pollux is an opera by the French Baroque composer Jean-Philippe Rameau, based on a Greek tragedy and regarded as a masterpiece.

The 1737 version did not attract much acclaim, but the 1754 revised version—written as Rameau’s music matured—was reborn as a seminal work of French opera.

Among its highlights is the aria “Tristes apprêts” (“Preparations of sorrow”), a celebrated piece in which the queen of Baroque opera, Agnès Mellon, beautifully conveys the profound grief of Télaïre, who has lost her beloved.

Surprises of Love (Les Surprises de l’Amour)Jean-Philippe Rameau40rank/position

J.-Ph. Rameau: Suite from «Les Fêtes de l’Hymen et de l’Amour» RCT 38

The opéra-ballet The Surprise of Love, which premiered in Paris in 1748, is a work in which every element—instrumental music, chorus, and dance—shines with sonic color, exuding the very essence of Rameau’s music.

Under the baton of the outstanding classical conductor Marc Minkowski, it becomes an even more magnificent, masterful performance.

New Harpsichord Suite No. 1 (Suite No. 4), No. 5: “Little Fanfare”Jean-Philippe Rameau41rank/position

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

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.

New Harpsichord Suite Collection No. 1 (Suite No. 4), No. 7: Gavotte and Six VariationsJean-Philippe Rameau42rank/position

Rameau Gavotte et six doubles | Keigo Mukawa – Queen Elisabeth Competition 2021

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.