Jean Philippe Rameau Quotes

France, Composer
September 25, 1683 – September, 12, 1764.

Jean-Philippe Rameau (French: [ʒɑ̃filip ʁamo]; 25 September 1683 – 12 September 1764) was one of the most important French composers and music theorists of the 18th century. He replaced Jean-Baptiste Lully as the dominant composer of French opera and is also considered the leading French composer for the harpsichord of his time, alongside François Couperin.

In f-major, c* is a sonority contained within the overtones of the tonic f*.

Jean Philippe Rameau
Therefore we well observe that the title of perfect cadence is attached only to a dominant that progresses to the main tone, because this dominant, which is naturally contained within the harmony of the main tone, seems, when it progresses to it, to return as if to its source.

Jean Philippe Rameau
- Tone
- Observe
- Main

Rhythm and sounds are born with syllables.

Jean Philippe Rameau
We must have recourse to the rules of music when our genius and our ear seem to deny what we are seeking.

Jean Philippe Rameau
- Music
- Rules
- Recourse
When reason and instinct are reconciled, there will be no higher appeal.

Jean Philippe Rameau
Music is a science which should have definite rules; these rules should be drawn from an evident principle; and this principle cannot really be known to us without the aid of mathematics.

Jean Philippe Rameau
- Music
- Science
- Rules
Verse, singing, and speech have a common origin.

Jean Philippe Rameau
- Singing
I try to conceal art with art.

Jean Philippe Rameau
- Art
- Conceal

Emphasis on the common emotive or affective origins of music and words in the first cries of humankind undermines words.

Jean Philippe Rameau
- Music
- Words
Nature endows us with the feeling that moves us in all our musical experiences; we might call her gift instinct.

Jean Philippe Rameau