Although there are few examples in Jean-Philippe Rameau's vocal Oeuvre of self-borrowing, there do exist numerous instances of this technique in his operatic symphonies. There are two primary sources for borrowed material: pieces that he had already published for solo harpsichord, with or without other instruments; and symphonies from earlier operas. Borrowing of material for symphonies was especially prominent during revivals of existing operas. Rameau's technique of self-borrowing is fundamentally different from that of Bach and Handel in that the original and new work tend to serve similar functions.

Works: Rameau: Les Fêtes de Ramire (54-55), Les Fêtes d'Hébé (55), Les Indes galantes (55).

Index Classifications: 1700s

Contributed by: Alexander J. Fisher