brise
French era
Definition
Broken or arpeggiated texture characteristic of French Baroque lute and harpsichord writing. Notes that would be played simultaneously are instead rolled, creating a fluid, quasi-improvisatory surface. Rameau uses it extensively in his allemandes and sarabandes.
Interpretive Guidance
Arpeggiate broken chords upward unless otherwise marked; keep the speed of the roll flexible and expressive rather than metronomic. In slow movements the brise is a primary expressive device - the roll itself carries emotional weight, not just decorative effect.