[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 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 II, Suite No. 6, No. 8: “The Insect”François Couperin
François Couperin was a French composer active from the 17th to the 18th century, known as one of the most prominent members of the musically prolific Couperin family.
Among his works, one of the most popular pieces is The Flies, included in the Second Book of Harpsichord Pieces, published in 1717.
This piece showcases Couperin’s characteristic refinement and delicate touch, portraying rural natural scenes through music.
Its lively melody, evoking the image of tiny insects lightly dancing in the air, is sure to soothe the listener.
Couperin’s Piano Pieces: Introducing Masterworks by a Great Baroque Keyboard Virtuoso (11–20)
Harpsichord Pieces, Book II, Suite No. 6, No. 1: “The Harvesters”François Couperin
François Couperin, known as a representative composer of French Baroque music.
“The Harvesters,” included in Book II of his Pieces for Harpsichord (Pièces de clavecin), is a captivating work whose lively, pictorial style expresses in sound scenes of rural life and the joy of harvest time.
Its explicit indications for ornamentation are also characteristic, conveying Couperin’s distinctive delicacy.
It is a recommended piece not only as an introduction to Baroque music but also for piano enthusiasts who wish to study the repertoire more deeply.
Pièces de clavecin, Book III, Suite No. 13, No. 4: “The French Temperament, or The Domino”François Couperin
François Couperin shines with his refined style and a wealth of evocative, emblematic titles.
Among the pieces in his Pièces de clavecin, Book III, the 13th Ordre, the fourth piece, “La Françoise, ou le Domino,” stands out in particular.
Depicting various scenes of a masquerade ball in music, it reveals Couperin’s brilliance of expression, as well as the wit and humor embedded in his writing.
This work, a superb example of the Baroque era’s elegant artistry, is a harpsichord masterpiece especially recommended for adults with musical experience.
Harpsichord Pieces, Book III, Suite No. 18, No. 6: “Tick-Tock-Choc, or The Olive Press”François Couperin
François Couperin’s works are known for their refined Baroque musicality and humorously inventive titles.
The piece titled “Tick-Tock-Choc, or The Chocolate Grinder” from Pièces de clavecin, Book 3, 18th Suite, No.
6 is a quintessential example of his style.
Its rhythmically pendulum-like melody evokes a clock’s swing and shines even more beautifully when one makes full use of pedaling and dynamics.
It’s a masterpiece I highly recommend to anyone who wants to savor Baroque subtlety and expressive richness.
Pièces de clavecin, Book III, Suite No. 13, No. 3: “The Ribbon for the Bodice”François Couperin
François Couperin, a French composer who left numerous works for the harpsichord—a keyboard instrument of the Baroque era.
“The Ribbons of the Bodice,” included in the 13th Ordre of Book III of his emblematic collection Pièces de clavecin, is a masterpiece that showcases Couperin’s rich sensibility and imagination.
Why not take your time to savor this piece, which fully conveys the allure of Baroque music, while reflecting on the daily life and attire of the time, as well as the French milieu in which Couperin lived?
In conclusion
We introduced works by François Couperin, who laid the foundations of Baroque music in France. This time, we posted a video of a piano performance, but when played on the harpsichord—the keyboard instrument of Couperin’s time—the music offers a distinctly different atmosphere. I recommend enjoying the depth of Baroque music by comparing the two.