Alexander Paley, the pianist on this recording, believes that playing Rameau on the piano requires using all of the instrument's resources to find new colors.
Cultural Impact
The musical sources for Rameau's opera Les Boréades were made publicly available in 1843 by the Decroix family, allowing figures like Louis Diémer to transcribe and popularize its excerpts.
Interpretation
Alexander Paley's interpretation of Rameau's music includes his own inspired ornamentations, departing from strict adherence to the written score.
Composition History
Rameau's opera Les Boréades was commissioned to celebrate the Treaty of Paris in 1763, which ended the Seven Years' War, but was never performed during his lifetime.
Recording & Production
This album includes the first-ever recording of excerpts from Rameau's last opera, Les Boréades, in Louis Diémer's transcription.
Performer Biography
Alexander Paley, the pianist, was born in Chișinău, Moldova, and began studying piano at age six, giving his first recital at thirteen.
Composer Biography
Jean-Philippe Rameau, the composer, was once described by poet Alexis Piron as having "all his heart and soul...in his harpsichord; once he had closed the lid, there was no-one at home."
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