This classic work remains the definitive full-scale biography and critical study of Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764) published in English. It deals at length, not only with the musical achievement of this incredibly neglected composer, but also with the aspects of his life and work that made him one of the most important cultural figures in eighteenth-century France -his central position in a musical controversy that brought upon him the enmity of Rousseau, Diderot and the Encyclopedists; his friendship and collaboration with Voltaire; and his historical position as the author of a treatise on harmony that established the dominance of harmony thought and diatonic tonality for almost two hundred years of music history.
It is Rameau's musical contribution, however, with which the author is chiefly concerned. There are entire chapters on the operas Hippolyte et Ariete, Castor et Pollux and Dardanus, and on the ballets Platee, Les Indes Gallantes and Les Fétes d'Hébé; Rameau's chamber music (dances, rondeaux, Piéces de Clavecín, etc.), cantatas and motets, and minor works (Pygmalion, Voltaire's La Princesse de Navarre, and other.pieces) are discussed in further chapters. Among many more aspects of Rameau and his environment covered in this book, Dr. Girdlestone explains the tragedle en musique genre as exemplified by Lully, the influence of Rameau on the work of Gluck, and the nature and importance of Rameau's acoustic and harmonic theories.
Definitive both as a biography and as a critical evaluation, this book is indispensable to music students and teachers. The account of the richness and variety of Rameau's music will come as a revelation to many; to those who are already aware of Rameau's stature the thoroughness of Dr. Girdlestone's treatment will prove a delight.
Republication (1989) of the 1969 revised and corrected Dover edition of the work originally published by Cassell and Company Ltd., 1957. New preface by the author.
CONTENIDO:
Life: The First Fifty Years
Chamber Music
Cantatas and Motets
Lulli's Tragédie en musique
Hippolyte et Aricie and Rameau's Tragédie en musique
Castor et Pollux
Dardanus
The Later Tragédies en musique
Les Indes Galantes and Rameau's Opéra-Ballet
Les Fêtes d'Hébé and Rameau's Pastoral Music
Platée and Comédie Lyrique
Minor Work
Life: The Last Thirty Years
Theories
Rameau and Gluck
Conclusion
Bibliography
Appendix A - Abodes and Churches
Appendix B - Titles
Appendix C - Prelude by Louis Marchand
Appendix D - Excerps from Hyppolyte ety Aricie, Dardanus and Les Boréades
Indexes
