Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683 - 1764)

Jean-Philippe Rameau

Jean-Philippe Rameau was a French late Baroque composer and music theorist.

Jean-Philippe's father worked as an organist all his life, so his son learned notes before he learned to read. He continued his musical education in Milan, playing the organ, violin and harpsichord. Rameau wrote works for the Paris theaters, composed sacred and secular music, and in 1745 became a court composer.

Rameau wrote many pieces for harpsichord, works for chorus and cantatas. Today he is recognized as the greatest French composer and the most prominent figure in the music of the 18th century.