[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 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.
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.
François Couperin: Introducing Masterpieces and Popular Works by the Composer Who Loved the Harpsichord (31–40)
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.
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.