The Rameau Compendium

The Rameau Compendium covers every significant area of Rameau's life and creative activity. In particular the dictionary and work-list provide the reader with easy access to a wealth of cross-referenced material. The dictionary includes entries on institutions places individuals genres instruments technical terms iconography editions specific works and publications and caters for the fact that some users will be at least as interested in Rameau's theoretical writings as in his life and music. Performers too are well served by the range of entries many of which illuminate aspects of Rameau's notation and performance practice that can prove puzzling to the non-specialist. The book counters the widespread perception of the composer as a dry irascible unsociable individual revealing him in a far more sympathetic light by giving due weight to hitherto little-known information.