Jean Philippe Rameau - First Book of Harpsichord Pieces

The Premier livre de pièces de clavecin is Rameau’s earliest known composition. This 1707 set opens with a Prelude followed by a group of eight dances and a "character" piece,
"La Vénetienne", perhaps an evocation of a barcarolle, or gondolier´s song. The Prelude harks back to an earlier style of improvisatory prelude cultivated by French lutenists and clavecinists, the prélude sans mesuré (without strict rhythm).