[François Couperin] Introducing famous and popular pieces by the composer who loved the harpsichord
François Couperin, a French composer of the Baroque era.
He grew up in the illustrious musical Couperin family and became the most famous member of his lineage.
Among French musicians he was a unique talent; it is said that the famous German composer Brahms—despite his strong dislike of French music—showed considerable interest in Couperin’s works.
In this article, we introduce some of François Couperin’s masterpieces and popular pieces.
Among his works, the Pièces de clavecin—over 200 pieces—hold a central place.
From these, we’ve selected some of the most renowned pieces, so please enjoy the elegant, evocative music played on the harpsichord.
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[François Couperin] Introducing Famous and Popular Pieces by the Composer Who Loved the Harpsichord (11–20)
Mount Parnassus, or An Ode to CorelliFrançois Couperin
A programmatic work in seven movements brimming with the charm of the harpsichord.
It portrays Corelli’s ascent of Mount Parnassus with music that is both graceful and passionate.
French delicacy and Italian brilliance blend exquisitely, yielding a supreme masterpiece that distills the essence of Baroque music.
It embodies Couperin’s ideal of “the union of tastes,” pursuing harmony between French and Italian musical styles.
Published in 1725, this work is recommended not only for classical music enthusiasts but also for anyone who enjoys music with a narrative character.
Royal Concert – Concerto No. 2 in D majorFrançois Couperin
The Royal Concerts, known as one of Couperin’s masterpieces.
Comprising five movements, this work is brimming with elegance and refinement.
Particularly striking is the “Echo” movement, which employs techniques that imitate the reverberation of sound, captivating the listener.
Composed around 1714–1715 for performances at the Palace of Versailles, there is also an anecdote that it was written late in Louis XIV’s reign to ease his melancholy.
Noble yet introspective, this piece is highly recommended for anyone interested in Baroque music.
Collection of Suites “Peoples of Various Countries” Suite No. 4 “The Piedmontese”François Couperin
A chamber work brimming with the allure of Baroque music, Les Nations.
Published in 1726, this collection is one of Couperin’s masterpieces, pursuing a fusion of French and Italian musical styles.
The fourth suite, themed on Piedmont, is a piece that strongly reflects the influence of Italian music.
It begins with a dignified introduction, followed by movements that fully showcase the splendor of Baroque music—such as a sonade with bright, radiant melodies and a rondeau notable for its beautifully song-like lines.
It is a highly recommended piece for those who wish to enjoy elegant and refined music.
From Pièces de clavecin, Book II, Suite No. 8: Nos. 1–7François Couperin
The seven selected pieces from Couperin’s Pièces de clavecin invite you into an elegant, evocative musical world.
Titles such as “The Lady Painter” and “The Lady Poet” convey the intellectual atmosphere of the time.
The sprightly “Gavotte” and the beautifully recurring “Rondeau” are filled with a courtly grace reminiscent of courtly dance.
Woven with delicate ornamentation and expressive melodies, this collection is a jewel that distills the essence of French Baroque music.
Highly recommended for those who wish to be soothed by graceful melodies or to experience the refined tastes of the eighteenth century.
From Harpsichord Pieces, Book IV, Suite No. 24François Couperin
Couperin’s “Pièces de clavecin.” This large-scale work spans four volumes, and the 24th suite, included in the fourth volume, was published in 1730.
It consists of eight pieces, each with a distinctive title.
With names like “The Great Lord,” “The Young Lord, Former Young Lord,” and “The Poisoned Lance,” the pieces seem to satirize the French court and society of the time or portray specific individuals and personalities.
Each piece has its own character and emotion, reflecting the composer’s delicate technique and expressive power.
It’s recommended not only for those interested in Baroque music but also for anyone who wants to enjoy the elegant timbre of the harpsichord.
Harpsichord Pieces, Book IV, Suite No. 25: No. 1François Couperin
From the Fourth Book of Harpsichord Pieces, Suite No.
25 (Pièces de clavecin, Quatrième Livre, Ordre No.
25): No.
1, “La visionnaire” (The Dreamer).
Performed by Rebecca Pechefsky.
Video recorded at the Morris-Jumel Mansion Museum in Manhattan, New York.
Harpsichord Pieces, Book IV, Suite 25: No. 5François Couperin
From the Fourth Book of Harpsichord Pieces, Suite No.
25 (Pièces de clavecin, Quatrième Livre, Ordre No.
25), No.
5: “The Wandering Shades” (Les Ombres Errantes).
Performed by the Israel-born pianist Ido Bar-Shai, following a performance of Beethoven’s piano concerto.
Trio Sonata ‘Stankirk’François Couperin
A celebrated masterpiece left by Couperin.
It consists of eight movements for two violins and basso continuo, each marked in French with expressive indications such as “gaily” and “solemnly.” The fanfare-like music of the fifth movement evokes the splendor of celebrating the victory of 1692.
At the same time, it carries a solemn atmosphere mourning the fallen, making it a work of profound depth.
Influenced by Italy yet imbued with distinctly French elegance and delicacy, this piece is well worth a listen.
Suite Collection ‘People of Various Nations’ Suite No. 1 ‘The French’François Couperin
Suite collection Les Nations, 1st Suite “The French” (Les Nations, 1st Ordre, “La Françoise”).
Performed by Baroque Moment: Sebastian Wittiber, José Luis García Vegara, Ulrich Horn, and Flóra Fábri.
Fusion of Hobbies – Concerto No. 14 in D minorFrançois Couperin
Fusion of Tastes – Concerto No.
14 in D Minor (Les goûts réunis: Concerto No.
14 in D Minor).
Performance by: Violin – Koji Yoda, Oboe – Umbaja Majstrovic, Cello – Victor Mériaux, Harpsichord – Nicolas Makowiak.