Rameau and Zarlino: Polemics in the "Traité de l'harmonie"

Abstract

Rameau's methods to secure the future of his own theories involve a careful treatment of Zarlino's theories. Rameau, in the Traité de l'harmonie, wrestles with Zarlino's ideas and uses them for his own end. The culminating compositions of each author's treatise, which are all canons, are analyzed. In addition, a variety of theoretical issues are examined, including the source of intervals, motion from the major third, and the fundamental bass.