Henri-Joseph Rigel was sent to Paris in 1767 to provide musical education to Mademoiselle Dupin de Francueil. Originally from Germany, he is said to have studied music with the renowned Jommelli. Settling permanently in France, he quickly achieved success. His work encompasses a wide range of genres: keyboard sonatas, string quartets, concertos, comic opera and hierodramas. His remarkable symphonies are the subject of a critical edition published by the Centre de musique baroque de Versailles.

Rigel’s three works opus XIV can be performed in two ways: as a duo for fortepiano and harpsichord, or as a quartet for fortepiano, two violins and cello. The complete set of works is published separately piece by piece in their different versions by the Éditions du Centre de musique baroque de Versailles.

These intermediate-level quartets for piano and strings offer equal opportunities for the piano, two violins and cello. Elegant and lasting between 10 and 20 minutes, these pieces are well-suited for concert performance. The first quartet, the longest, in E-flat major, is in four movements (Allegro maestoso – Minuet – Andante moderato – Presto). The second, in C minor, the most expressive, consists of three movements (Allegro non troppo – Adagio – Presto). The third, in G major, opens with a March; followed by two dances (a Minuet/Trio and a Polonaise) and concludes brilliantly with an Allegro.