Jean Rondeau Essentials

France's Jean Rondeau was captivated by the harpsichord after encountering it on the radio at age six and has become one of the 21st century's most prodigious envoys of the instrument, whether drawing audiences into the intimacy of solo recitals, accompanying orchestras, or playing with period-instrument ensemble Nevermind. As a duo, he and lutenist Thomas Dunford refashioned work by Couperin, Rameau and Marais into duets imbued with searing energy and an easy rapport. Not content with mastery of Baroque staples like Bach and Scarlatti, Rondeau has also emerged as a film composer of lyrical clarity.