Jean-Philippe Rameau

Question 1

Jean-Philippe Rameau musical style and contributions

Answer 1

• brilliant organist and harpsichordist
• developed French keyboard suite initially along traditional lines, then later…
• keyboard texture features (many things)
• binary and rondeau forms employed
• later keyboard works include virtuosic technical demands and formal procedures that show the influence of George Frideric Handel and Domenico Scarlatti

Question 2

How did Rameau later developed the Frech keyboard suite?

Answer 2

by incorporating imaginative character pieces inspired by the suites of François Couperin

Question 3

What did Rameau’s keyboard texture feature?

Answer 3

• strong harmonic direction
• frequent use of seventh chors
• clear modulation schemes
• precisely notated embellishments (agréments)
• occasional use of counterpoint