Jean-Philippe Rameau was one of the most important French composers of the 18th century. He is remembered for his work as a music theorist and composer of opera.
Early Life and Education
Jean-Philippe Rameau was born into a musical family on September 25, 1683, in Dijon, France. His father, Jean Rameau, was an organist, and his mother, Claudine Demartinécourt, came from a family of notaries. He was the seventh of eleven children.
Rameau learned music at home from his father. Although he was sent to Jesuit College in Dijon, he showed little interest in academics—his passion was music. His father initially wanted him to study law, but Rameau was determined to pursue music instead.
Early Career as Organist
In his late teens, Rameau left Dijon and traveled across France, working as an organist in several different cities from 1702-1715. During this period, he honed his skills as a composer and theorist, though he was still relatively unknown. His early compositions were mostly sacred works and organ pieces.
Music Theorist
In 1722, Rameau published one of the most influential books in music history, “Traité de l’harmonie” (Treatise on Harmony).
This groundbreaking work established the foundations of modern tonal harmony. He introduced concepts such as the chordal root, fundamental bass, and inversions, shaping how harmony was understood in Western music. His theoretical ideas would influence composers for generations to come.
Arrival in Paris and Opera Breakthrough
In 1723, Rameau moved to Paris, where he initially worked as a harpsichordist and composer of harpsichord music. His early keyboard works gained recognition, but he struggled to make a name for himself in opera, which was France’s most prestigious musical genre at the time.
Harpsichord Works
Rameau published several harpsichord collections during the period from 1724-1729. His harpsichord music was highly expressive, and he experimented with new harmonies and textures that were ahead of his time. Among his most celebrated works, La Poule stands out with its playful, rhythmic depiction of a clucking hen, while Le Rappel des Oiseaux features delicate bird-like calls. Les Cyclopes bursts with dramatic energy, and L’Enharmonique is an example of how Rameau pushed the boundaries of harmony with striking modulations. His Gavotte et Six Doubles is a dazzling set of variations that requires technical brilliance.
Opera Career Begins
Despite his success in music theory and harpsichord compositions, Rameau longed to compose for the stage. In 1733, at age 50, he finally got his big break when he collaborated with librettist Abbé Pellegrin to compose his first opera, Hippolyte et Aricie.
Rameau’s opera challenged the dominance of Jean-Baptiste Lully, the long-established model of French opera. Rameau’s music was more dramatic, adventurous, and complex than Lully’s. His use of the orchestra was more expressive and colorful. This caused a controversy in Paris, dividing audiences between supporters of the two different composers and their styles.
Despite the backlash, Rameau continued to compose operas, cementing his status as France’s leading opera composer. Notable operas of this time include Les Indes galantes (1735), Castor et Pollux (1737), Dardanus (1739), and Platée (1745). By 1745, Rameau had been officially appointed “Composer of the King’s Chamber Music” for King Louis XV, securing his status as a musical success.
Later Years and Legacy
In his later years, Rameau continued composing operas and revising some of his older works. His musical style became less controversial as audiences gradually accepted his innovations.
At the age of eighty, Rameau composed his final opera, Les Boréades. It would remain unperformed until the 20th century.
Jean-Philippe Rameau died in Paris on September 12, 1764. He was buried in the Church of St. Eustache.
Rameau’s contributions to music were monumental. His harpsichord genius, theories of harmony, and innovations in opera and orchestration did much to shape classical music. His operas and harpsichord pieces are still regularly performed today.