enharmonique
French work
Definition
Rameaus term for a passage exploiting enharmonic equivalences (e.g. C-sharp and D-flat). L'Enharmonique (RCT 6) is built around a shocking enharmonic modulation in the middle section, which Rameau used to illustrate - and theorise about - equal temperament in his Traite de l'harmonie.
Interpretive Guidance
The enharmonic pivot must register as a genuine surprise followed by resolution. Keep the middle section slightly hesitant, as if the music has lost its footing, before the stable return. This is arguably the first piece in the keyboard repertoire to make harmonic ambiguity its central expressive subject.