Jean-Philippe Rameau

Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683–1764) was a pioneering French composer and music theorist. He is best known for developing a systematic understanding of harmony, laying the foundation for Western musical theory. Rameau's works include operas, harpsichord music, and theoretical writings that explained how chords and progressions create musical coherence. His ideas helped shape classical music's structure, influencing composers and musicians for generations. Rameau combined inventive composition with rigorous theoretical insights, making him a key figure in the evolution of Western music during the Baroque and early Classical periods.