The Rameau Compendium

This comprehensive reference work on Jean-Philippe Rameau offers valuable insights into his life, music, and theoretical writings, making it an essential resource for scholars and performers alike.

The Rameau Compendium serves as a comprehensive and authoritative reference on the Baroque composer and theorist Jean-Philippe Rameau, who lived from 1683 to 1764. This resource meticulously covers all significant aspects of Rameau's life and creative output, making it an essential tool for anyone interested in his work. The inclusion of a detailed dictionary and work-list allows readers to easily navigate a wealth of cross-referenced information, ensuring that both casual readers and scholars alike can find relevant material quickly.

In this compendium, recent discoveries and developments in Rameau's life are highlighted, correcting previous errors and misunderstandings that have permeated the discourse around him. The dictionary entries encompass a wide range of topics, including institutions, individuals, genres, instruments, and specific works. Furthermore, the text acknowledges the interest in Rameau's theoretical writings, offering insights that are beneficial for performers and scholars, particularly in understanding his notation and performance practices.

The biographical chapter of the Rameau Compendium not only presents factual information but also reveals significant patterns in Rameau's life and work, challenging the stereotype of him as a difficult and unsociable figure. Instead, the book portrays him in a more favorable light, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of his character and contributions to music. Authored by Graham Sadler, a renowned expert in French music, this compendium is a vital addition to the study of Baroque music.