Jean-Philippe Rameau - Suites from 'Zoroastre' & 'Les indes galantes' (Michi Gaigg)

Information

Composer: Jean-Philippe Rameau

• Suite from "Zoroastre, RCT 62" (1749 Version)
• Suite from "Les indes galantes, RCT 44" (1736 Version)

L'Orfeo Barockorchester

Michi Gaigg, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: CPO

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Jean-Philippe Rameau was one of the most influential composers and theorists of the 18th century, maintaining a clear distinction between his practical musical work and his scientific studies of sound. His compositions rarely reveal the theoretical concerns of the “sound physicist,” yet the subjects of his stage works often reflect contemporary intellectual interests. Operas such as Les Indes galantes drew inspiration from recent ethnological explorations of Asia and the Americas, while Zoroastre was based on the legendary Persian religious figure Zarathustra. Despite their exotic themes, Rameau skillfully integrated these narratives into traditional Baroque dance forms, creating music that was both stylistically refined and dramatically evocative.

Michi Gaigg, born in Schörfling am Attersee, Austria, is a violinist and conductor specializing in historically informed performance. Influenced by Nikolaus Harnoncourt during her studies at the Salzburg Mozarteum, she later studied Baroque violin with Ingrid Seifert and Sigiswald Kuijken. After performing with leading early music ensembles, she founded the Baroque orchestra L’Arpa Festante in 1983 and later co-founded the L’Orfeo Barockorchester in 1996. Under her direction, the orchestra has gained international recognition and numerous awards for its recordings. Gaigg is particularly known for her interpretations of French Baroque music, especially Rameau, while also exploring early Romantic repertoire. Alongside her performance career, she has held significant teaching and artistic leadership roles.