James Richman was made a Chevalier in the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres of the French Republic in recognition of his contributions to the art of music. A specialist in Baroque opera, he has led over 200 performances of staged works from the 17th and 18th centuries, including over 100 of Rameau’s. Having worked together with the renowned Baroque choreographer Catherine Turocy on a great deal of this repertoire, he has a unique understanding of the role of the dance in period performance, both in the opera house and on the harpsichord.
A graduate of Harvard College magna cum laude in the History of Science, he went on to study with Max Rudolf (conducting) and Robert Levin (theory) at the Curtis Institute of Music, and with Albert Fuller (harpsichord) at the Juilliard School. Other studies included harpsichord with Kenneth Gilbert and conducting with Herbert Blomstedt. He was the founder of Concert Royal, the first group to present Baroque orchestra concerts in New York City, and later produced concert series at Alice Tully Hall and at the French Institute/Alliance Française in New York, as well as at Princeton University; Concert Royal also accompanied the Choir of Men and Boys at Saint
Thomas Church on Fifth Avenue in annual performances of Handel’s Messiah and the Passions of J.S. Bach. Since 1995 James Richman has been Artistic Director and harpsichordist of the Dallas Bach Society, whose recent recordings have included the world premiere of Handel’s original 1741 version of Messiah, and the Saint John Passion (both on Onyx Classics, London) and the chamber opera Les Arts Florissants of Marc-Antoine Charpentier (Rubicon, London).
Rameau’s Pièces de Clavecin was composed over a period of 20 years, the first collection, or book appearing in 1706. These pieces showcase Rameau’s lyrical and expressive style, often featuring intricate ornamentation and elegant melodies. The collection is considered a major work in Baroque keyboard repertoire, reflecting Rameau’s mastery in both composition and harmony.
17 Leeward Quay
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN23 5UD
United Kingdom
+44 (0)7703 20 20 23
