Jean-Fery Rebel

Full biography Jean-Fery Rebel

Jean-Fery Rebel was an 18th-century French composer, noted violinist, and member of the Royal Court Orchestra. He was born on April 18, 1666, in Paris, France, and died on January 2, 1747, in Paris. Rebel was part of the first group of French composers to write sonatas , and he was primarily an instrumental composer. He wrote vocal pieces until about 1708 , turning then to string sonatas, ballets, and operas.

Rebel’s revolutionary symphony "Les lmens" still stands as one of the most innovative pieces of the 18th century. The symphony is a depiction of the elements of nature, starting with chaos and leading into Earth, Water, Air, and Fire. It is regarded as one of the earliest examples of program music, which is music that attempts to depict an extra-musical narrative. Rebel's works are known for their arrestingly original melodies, colorful harmonies, and novel treatments of dissonance.

Rebel shared the post of Chamber composer with his brother-in-law Delalande from 1718 to 1727. In 1720, he assumed the post of batteur de mesure (measure beater) to the king , and in 1737 he was appointed inspector of the violins. Furthermore, Rebel had a significant influence on French music and was one of the first composers to write dance music for the new form of ballet.

Overall , Jean-Fery Rebel was a talented and innovative composer of the Baroque period whose works continue to influence and inspire musicians to this day.