Jean Philippe- Rameau was a French composer and music theorist known for his contribution to the growth of French opera in the 18th century. Born to an organist father, Jean became interested in music at an early age. Although he studied to become a lawyer, he soon left college to pursue music. He moved to Paris and began learning music. He joined travelling orchestras and gained experience. In the initial years of his career, he worked as a music theorist and an organist at a few local churches. It was after he turned 50 and ventured into the world of opera that his popularity really soared. He began by composing an opera ballet titled Hippolyte et Aricie. It was so unique and innovative that it split the French musical community. Jean went on composing more operas such as Les Indes Galantes, Castor et Pollux, Dardanus and Les Fetes d’Hebe among a few others. In addition to his musical work, he was also known for his long friendship with the famous French writer Voltaire and his disagreements with the famous French thinker Rousseau. Jean worked until he lived and passed away at the age of 80.
