Jean-Philippe Rameau

“It is the ear that is the judge of music, not the eye.”

“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.”

“I am trying to conceal art with art itself.”

“To distinguish the character of each passion, its degrees, its nuances; this is the object of expression in music.”

“From a single sound, the principle of all harmony is born.”

“Nature seems to have destined us for music.”

“Let us try to put some gaiety into our music.”

“The imagination of the poet must be the guide of the composer.”

“Harmony alone can stir the passions. Melody is only its first effect.”

“Obscure thoughts must be rejected, and we must seek to express ourselves with the greatest clarity.”

“The more my works are performed, the more I find they are esteemed.”