This site introduces unknown Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach).
I asked ChatGPT4o: "What were Rameauʼs activities as a theorist in his later years?"
Jean-Philippe Rameauʼs activities as a theorist in his later years refer to his continued vigorous research and writing in the field of music theory. During this period, Rameau aimed to further develop his harmony theory and strengthen its scientific and philosophical foundations. Below is an explanation of his main activities during this time.
Rameau had proposed a harmony theory based on the overtone series (natural harmonics), but in his later years, he sought to expand this theory further by explaining music through the natural laws and philosophical principles. He attempted to scientifically prove the regularity of harmony by linking music to mathematics and physics.
Rameau had a strong interest in acoustics and deepened his perspective of viewing music as an acoustic phenomenon. His interpretation of harmony based on the overtone series was highly advanced for its time and influenced the later development of acoustics.
In his later years, Rameau actively refuted criticisms and misunderstandings of his theories. Notably, he engaged in heated debates about the nature of music with Rousseau and other philosophers.
Debate with Rousseau:
Through these debates, Rameau not only defended the uniqueness of his music theory but also deepened his theoretical insights.
Rameau greatly influenced French music education through the dissemination of his music theory. In his later years, his theories were adopted in the curriculum of the Paris Conservatoire, laying the foundation for future music theory education.
Rameauʼs theoretical activities in his later years were not limited to harmony; they also included considerations of melody, rhythm, and musical forms, providing new perspectives in these areas. Notably, he developed unique insights into the relationship between melody and harmony, aiming to explain musical structures more systematically.
Rameauʼs late activities as a theorist were not just a consolidation of existing theories but an effort to explore the essence of music and explain it scientifically and philosophically. His work in this period represents the culmination of his lifelong pursuit of understanding music from both rational and emotional perspectives and stands as a significant milestone in the development of music theory.