Jean-fery Rebel

Baroque French Composer and Violinist

Jean-Féry Rebel (1666–1747) was a distinguished French Baroque composer and violinist. Born into a musical family, Rebel became a student of the famous composer Jean-Baptiste Lully. He was known for his innovative and bold compositions, particularly in the realm of program music, which is designed to evoke a specific idea or scene. One of his most notable works is "Les Éléments," a ballet that depicts the creation of the world through the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. This piece is particularly famous for its chaotic opening representing chaos before the world's creation. Rebel's career included serving as maître de musique at the Académie Française and as a court musician for Louis XIV. His contributions to French Baroque music were significant, and his works continue to be performed and celebrated today for their expressive qualities and their place in the history of early music.