[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)
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.
[François Couperin] Introducing Masterpieces and Popular Works by the Composer Who Loved the Harpsichord (21–30)
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.