[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 Masterpieces and Popular Works by the Composer Who Loved the Harpsichord (21–30)
From Harpsichord Pieces, Book II, Suite No. 11François Couperin
From Harpsichord Pieces, Second Book, Suite No.
11 (Pièces de clavecin, Second Livre, Ordre No.
11): 1.
La Castalane, 2.
The Resplendent Lady, or Madame Bontemps, 3.
Native Grace, 4.
Zénobie, 5.
Records of the Great Menestrandise of Old, and more.
Performed by Monika Foryś.
From Pièces de clavecin, Book III, Suite No. 17François Couperin
From the Third Book of Harpsichord Pieces, Suite No.
17 (Pièces de clavecin, Troisième Livre, Ordre No.
17): 1.
The Haughty Woman – or Madame Forqueray, 2.
The Little Windmill, 3.
The Bells, 4.
Courante, 5.
The Little Milkmaids of Bagnolet.
Performed by the Spanish harpsichordist Ignacio Prego.
From the Third Book of Harpsichord Pieces, Suite No. 18François Couperin
From Pieces de clavecin, Third Book, Ordre No.
18: 1.
The Lady of Verneuil, 2.
The Girl of Verneuil, 3.
Sister Monique, 4.
The Hubbub, 5.
Emotion, 6.
Tic–Toc–Choc, 7.
The Lame but Lively One.
Performed by Sin-Ying Tang.
From ‘Pièces de clavecin’ (Harpsichord Pieces), Book IV, Suite No. 26François Couperin
From Harpsichord Pieces, Book IV, Suite No.
26 (Pièces de clavecin, Quatrième Livre, Ordre No.
26): 1.
The Convalescent (La Convalescente), 2.
Gavotte, 3.
La Sophie, 4.
The Thorny Woman (L’Epineuse), 5.
Pantomime.
Performed by Erin Hales.
Woman of the House of BourbonFrançois Couperin
The culture of Baroque music extends not only to Germany but across all of Europe.
The French composer Couperin is also one of the representative composers of the Baroque era.
This piece is included in the First Suite of the first volume of the Pièces de clavecin.
Harpsichord Pieces, Book I, Suite No. 1, No. 14: Gavotte “The Woman of the House of Bourbon”François Couperin
François Couperin, a French composer active during the Baroque era, is one of the most famous members of the musically prolific Couperin family and is also known as “Couperin le Grand.” Included in the first volume of his four books of harpsichord pieces—considered his most important works—is this gavotte, also affectionately known by the title “The Bourbon Lady.” With its bright melody and brilliant ornaments, this piece is ideal for piano students as an entry point into Baroque music.
Pièces de clavecin, Book II, Suite No. 6, No. 5: “The Mysterious Barricades”François Couperin
Among the musicians of the Couperin family, François Couperin—hailed as “Couperin the Great”—was an especially towering figure who exerted a profound influence on later generations.
A Baroque-era composer, he is renowned for his collections for harpsichord, the Pièces de clavecin.
The fifth piece in the Sixth Ordre of Book II is known by the title “The Mysterious Barricades.” Incorporating the technique known as style brisé, in which chords are played in a broken, intermittent manner, it evokes a mysterious atmosphere; at the same time, its uniquely captivating sound world—woven from ceaselessly shifting melody, rhythm, and harmony—never fails to enchant listeners.
While fully appreciating its allure demands a high level of performance skill, it is a piece I strongly recommend to anyone wishing to experience the very essence of French Baroque keyboard 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.
Pièces de clavecin, Book III, Suite No. 13, No. 2: “The Reeds”François Couperin
François Couperin, a leading composer of French Baroque music known for his beautiful, elegant ornamentation, wrote the Pièces de Clavecin.
The second piece in the 13th suite of the Third Book, titled “The Reeds,” is enveloped in a quiet, poetic atmosphere.
Couperin excelled at using descriptive titles to spark the listener’s imagination.
From the title and character of this piece, anyone can sense the beauty of reeds swaying in the wind and the contemplative feelings of a person standing amidst nature.
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.