Jean-Féry Rebel

Jean-Féry Rebel (April 18 1666-January 2 1747) was an innovative French Baroque composer and violinist.

Biography

Jean-Féry Rebel (pronounced "re-BEL") was a student of the great composer Jean-Baptiste Lully. By 1699, Rebel had become first violinist of the "Académie royale de musique" (Royal Academy of Music) and at the "Opéra." Rebel traveled to Spain in 1700. Upon his return to France in 1705, he was given a place in the prestigious ensemble known as the "Vingt-quatre Violons du Roy" ("Twenty-four Violins of the King"). Rebel served as court composer to Louis XIV and "maître de musique" at the Académie, and directed the Concert spirituel.

Rebel was one of the first French musicians to compose sonatas in the Italian style. Many of his compositions are marked by striking originality that include complex counter-rhythms and audacious harmonies that were not fully appreciated by listeners of his time. His "Les Caractères de la danse" combined music with dance, and presented innovative metrical inventions. The work was popular and was performed in London in 1725 under the baton of George Frideric Handel. In honor of his teacher, Rebel composed "Le Tombeau de M. Lully" (literally, "The Tomb of Monsieur Lully"; figuratively, "A Tribute to Lully"). Some of Rebel's compositions are described as choreographed "symphonies." Among his boldest original compositions is "Les Élémens" ("The Elements") which describes the creation of the world.

His son François Rebel (1701-1775) also was a composer, noted violinist, and member of the "Vingt-quatre Violons du Roy." He co-wrote and co-directed operas with François Francœur.

The Rebel Baroque Orchestra, formed in 1991, was named in his honor.

elected compositions

* Book of twelve sonatas in 2 or 3 parts (composed in 1695, published in Paris in 1712)
* 12 Sonatas for violin solo mixed with récits for viol (Paris 1713)
* "Les Caractères de la danse" (1715),
* "Les Élémens" (1737)
* "le Tombeau de M. de Lully, en hommage à son maître"
* "Ulysse", tragédie lyrique (1703)