Pièces de clavecin en concert

Published in Paris in 1741, Rameau’s Pièces de clavecin en concerts hold an important place not only in the harpsichord repertoire but also in the history of music. Far from being a passing fad, this new way of writing for the harpsichord—with one or more accompanying instruments—would go on to enjoy great success and give rise to the “keyboard trio” of the Classical period.

The title page of the original edition specifies that the harpsichord engages in dialogue with a violin or a flute and a viola or a second violin. As a result, there are numerous interpretive possibilities that adhere to Rameau’s instructions.