[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 (31–40)
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.
Harpsichord Pieces, Book I, Suite No. 1: No. 3François Couperin
From Pieces de clavecin, Premier Livre, Ordre No.
1: No.
3 Sarabande — “La Majestueuse.” Performed on the harpsichord (clavecin) by Louise Acabo, recorded at the Paris Regional Conservatory in France.
From ‘Pièces de clavecin’ Book II, Suite No. 6: No. 1François Couperin
From the Second Book of Harpsichord Pieces, Suite No.
6 (Pièces de clavecin, Second Livre, Ordre No.
6), No.
1: The Reapers (Les Moissonneurs).
Performed by Satoko Kihara (oboe), Yuki Akatsuka (piano), and Toru Kihara (tambourine), at the Tiara Koto Small Hall.
From the Second Book of Harpsichord Pieces, Suite No. 8, No. 8François Couperin
From the Second Book of Harpsichord Pieces, Suite No.
8 (Pièces de clavecin, Second Livre, Ordre No.
8): No.
8, Passacaille.
The harpsichord (cembalo) is performed by Lorenzo Antinori.
Recorded at the Gioachino Rossini Conservatory in Pesaro, Italy.
From the Second Book of Harpsichord Pieces, Suite No. 9, No. 1François Couperin
From Pièces de clavecin, Second Book, Suite No.
9 (Ordre No.
9): No.
1, Allemande for two harpsichords (Allemande à deux clavecins).
The first piece is often performed on its own.
Performed by Evan Cully and Leonard Schmidt.
From the Third Book of Harpsichord Pieces, Suite No. 14, No. 6François Couperin
From Harpsichord Pieces, Book III, Suite No.
14 (Pièces de clavecin, Troisième Livre, Ordre No.
14), No.
6: La Julliet.
Performed by the accordion duo Una Sinistra: Yulia Amerikova and Alexander Seribanov.
From Pièces de clavecin, Book III, Suite No. 15: No. 4 and No. 5François Couperin
From Harpsichord Pieces, Book III, Suite No.
15 (Pièces de clavecin, Troisième Livre, Ordre No.
15): No.
4, Musette of Choisy (Musette de Choisy), and No.
5, Musette of the Tavern (Musette de la Taverne).
Performed by Yuko Taniwaki and Hideaki Yoshida.
Kengun Cultural Hall, Kumamoto City.
Trio Sonata in G minor “Astrée”François Couperin
Trio Sonata in G minor “L’Astrée.” Performed by: Flauto traverso – Joanna Marsden, Baroque violin – Peter Lekx, Viola da gamba – Kyle Irving-Moroz, Harpsichord – Rona Nadler.
The Court Concert – Concert No. 3 in A majorFrançois Couperin
The Royal Concerts – Concerto No.
3 in A Major (Concerts royaux: Concerto No.
3 in A Major).
Performed by Ensemble Floridante.
Flute: Mari-Liis Vihermäe; Violin: Meelis Orgse; Viola da gamba: Tõnu Jõesaar; Harpsichord: Saale Fischer.
Concert at the Royal Palace – Concert No. 4 in E minorFrançois Couperin
Royal Concerts – Concerto No.
4 in E Minor (Concerts royaux: Concerto No.
4 in E Minor).
Performed by Milena Cord-To-Claux (recorder), Ventura Rico (viola da gamba), and Alejandro Casal (harpsichord).
At the Seville Conservatory.