[Couperin’s Piano Works] Introducing Masterpieces Left by a Renowned Keyboard Virtuoso of the Baroque Era
François Couperin, born in 1668 into the distinguished Couperin family that produced many musicians, contributed greatly to the development of the French Baroque.
Among his relatives, he is particularly renowned and is thus known as “Couperin le Grand.” He is famous for having left a large body of works for the harpsichord—a keyboard instrument in which strings are plucked by quills when the keys are pressed—and these pieces are now beloved by piano enthusiasts studying Baroque music.
In this article, we spotlight Couperin’s harpsichord works and present them alongside piano performance videos.
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Couperin’s Keyboard Works: Introducing Masterpieces Left by a Baroque-Era Virtuoso (1–10)
Harpsichord Pieces, Book I, Suite I, No. 13: “The Bourbon Lady (Gavotte)”François Couperin
François Couperin, a French composer who epitomizes the Baroque era.
Among the Couperin family, he displayed especially outstanding talent and is praised as “Couperin le Grand.” The Pièces de clavecin is one of his major works.
Among the pieces in this collection, the gavotte popularly known as “The Lady of the House of Bourbon,” included in the First Book, is particularly beloved.
With its lively rhythm and beautiful melody that evoke the cheerful atmosphere of courtly dance, as well as its brilliant ornamentation, this piece is an ideal introduction to Baroque music.
Pièces de clavecin, Book III, Suite No. 17, No. 2: “The Little Windmill”François Couperin
François Couperin, a composer who epitomizes French Baroque music.
Couperin’s harpsichord pieces often bear poetic titles that spark the listener’s imagination.
“The Little Windmill,” the second piece from Suite No.
17 in Book III of his harpsichord works, is one such example of his distinctive style.
Its charm lies in a sprightly melody that suggests the turning of a windmill and delicate timbres that conjure scenes of wind sweeping through.
The piece lets you feel the refined beauty of Baroque music while fully savoring the richness of emotional expression at which Couperin excelled.
Harpsichord Pieces, Book III, Suite No. 13, No. 1: “The Lily Blossoms”François Couperin
François Couperin was a great composer who supported the French musical world that flourished in courts and churches during the Baroque era.
Among the many harpsichord pieces he left, the one especially beloved for its beautiful melody and evocative title is The Blooming Lily from Book III, Suite No.
13 of his Pieces de Clavecin.
Its graceful sonorities evoke the image of flowers opening one after another—truly a richly poetic tone painting.
The delicacy of the ornaments and the richness of the harmony together embody the refined musicality of the Baroque in all its fullness.
Pièces de clavecin, Book III, Suite No. 18, No. 3 “La religieuse Monique”François Couperin
François Couperin, an important composer of French Baroque music, contributed not only to court music but also to church music.
His collections of harpsichord pieces contain many masterpieces that are quintessential examples of an elegant style.
Among them, The Nun Monique is a particularly captivating piece with its refined ornamentation and delicate expression.
The title, which has been interpreted in multiple ways, reveals Couperin’s witty sensibility.
Although technically somewhat challenging, it is a work I recommend to intermediate and advanced piano enthusiasts who wish to savor the beauty of Baroque music.
Harpsichord Pieces, Book IV, Suite No. 23, No. 2: “The Knitting Women”François Couperin
François Couperin, a master of French Baroque music, came from a musical family and was known as “Couperin le Grand.” He was also one of the foremost harpsichordists of his time.
His representative work, the 23rd suite from Book IV of his Pièces de clavecin, “Les Tricoteuses” (The Knitting Women), is a piece notable for its delicate touch and lively rhythms.
It exemplifies the characteristics of Couperin’s mature style, which skillfully fuses French and Italian musical traditions.
Evoking the refined tastes and elegance of courtly life of the era, this piece is a popular repertoire item not only for the harpsichord but also for the piano.