style brisé

Meaning of Style Brisé in Music

Style brisé, which translates to "broken style" in French, is a term used to describe an irregular arpeggiated texture in instrumental music, particularly during the Baroque period. It is commonly associated with music for lute, keyboard instruments, or the viol.

The term "style brisé" was first used by scholar Lionel de La Laurencie when discussing the style of French lutenists Ennemond Gaultier and Denis Gaultier in the 17th century. It may have been a translation of the corresponding German term, which has been used since at least the early 18th century.

In style brisé, the notes of a chord are not played simultaneously but are instead arpeggiated, creating a broken texture. This technique was prevalent in French lute music of the 17th century and was later adopted by keyboard composers, becoming an idiomatic part of French harpsichord music .

Overall, style brisé refers to the use of irregularly broken chords in instrumental music, adding a distinctive texture and character to the compositions of the Baroque period.