PlayPiano
The short answer
La Poule, Suite in G, RCT 6 is a piece by Jean-Philippe Rameau from the Baroque era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 7, an estimate.
- suite
- Baroque
- playful
Also known as J.P. Rameau Suite en Sol Nr 4 La Poule (The Hen); La Poule (The Hen), RCT 6.
History
Rameau turned a hen’s call into keyboard music in La Poule. Its printed notation puts a short vocal imitation under a repeated-note figure followed by an arpeggio. The piece belongs to the RCT 6 keyboard suite in Nouvelles suites de pièces de clavecin, issued around the late 1720s; sources disagree on the precise year. Listen for the call returning as the music grows more animated.
Sources
What to listen for
Repeated notes lead into decoration
Repeated opening notes develop into broken figures and decorated responses. Hear the phrase expand beyond the repeated cell.
Higher entries change the pitch groups
The repeated-note pattern returns higher with changed pitches. Recognise the rhythm through the changing colour.
Higher figures receive alternating answers
Repeated-note figures meet alternating responses. Listen for the dialogue rather than one continuously dominant line.
The opening contour expands into the ending
The opening returns in writing and develops closing figures. Hear its familiar shape become the last response.
How to practise it
Keep the repeated upper notes clear as decoration is added.
- Count the initial rest and play the five G notes at one comfortable volume.
- Practise the decoration into the first repeated G, then extend the group.
- Connect the examined phrase at a comfortable tempo while keeping its stated layers and releases distinct.
How hard is it
Repeated-note character gestures, ornaments and contrasting textures require articulate fingers, coordinated hands and controlled musical projection.
About this piece
- Licence
- CC0
- Source
- musescore.com
More by Jean-Philippe Rameau
- Les Tendres PlaintesLevel 5, estimatedWith Maestro
- Les Sauvages, Suite in G, RCT 6Level 6, estimatedWith Maestro
