[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)
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.
Pièces de clavecin, Book III, Suite No. 14, No. 1: “The Love Nightingale”François Couperin
François Couperin was a leading composer of the French Baroque and a master of the harpsichord.
Among the many masterpieces he left behind, one of the most popular is The Nightingale in Love from the Third Book of Harpsichord Pieces.
This work skillfully depicts the calls of birds in nature, featuring a beautiful melody that imitates the nightingale’s song.
Couperin’s characteristically delicate and emotionally rich music vividly portrays the sweetness and poignancy of love.
It is a piece that fully conveys the charm of Baroque music and one I would recommend to all lovers of classical music.
François Couperin: Introducing Masterpieces and Popular Works by the Composer Who Loved the Harpsichord (31–40)
Pièces de clavecin, Book III, Suite No. 17, No. 2: “The Little Windmill”François Couperin
François Couperin, a composer who epitomizes French Baroque music.
Couperin’s harpsichord pieces often bear poetic titles that spark the listener’s imagination.
“The Little Windmill,” the second piece from Suite No.
17 in Book III of his harpsichord works, is one such example of his distinctive style.
Its charm lies in a sprightly melody that suggests the turning of a windmill and delicate timbres that conjure scenes of wind sweeping through.
The piece lets you feel the refined beauty of Baroque music while fully savoring the richness of emotional expression at which Couperin excelled.
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.