This 2CD set features recordings of the complete works for harpsichord by the major 18th century French composer Jean-Philippe Rameau, performed by the renowned early keyboard specialist Ketil Haugsand. It is being released to mark the 250th anniversary of Rameau's death.

Rameau published his Premier Livre de Pièces de clavecin in 1706. It is remarkable for its unerring sense of harmonic direction, and sophisticated rhythmic and textural designs. The Premier Livre consists essentially of a traditional suite of dance movements prefaced by an introductory prelude.

Nearly twenty years elapsed before Rameau published his second book of harpsichord pieces. The Pièces de Clavecin of 1724 reflects a huge stylistic advance over the earlier collection as, since writing the first book, Rameau had composed several cantatas and had become increasingly interested in the theatre.

His third book of harpsichord pieces, the Nouvelles suites de Pièces de clavecin, first appeared in 1729 or 1730, and he published his Pièces de Clavecin en concerts in 1741. The last of these was originally intended as a chamber work for harpsichord and two other instruments.

Ketil Haugsand studied with Gustav Leonhardt at the Amsterdam Conservatory where he was awarded the coveted "Prix d"Excellence" in 1975. Later he was laureate at international harpsichord competitions in Paris and Bruges. Alongside his solo work, Ketil Haugsand is also conductor of the Norwegian Baroque Orchestra and the Arte Real Ensemble. His recordings of works by, amongst others, Bach, Rameau, Marchand and Forqueray, for Simax Classics, Virgin and Linn, have won significant international acclaim.