François Couperin Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
François Couperin, a French composer who released harpsichord pieces with elegant and emblematic titles that set them apart from typical dance music.
Known as “le Grand Couperin” due to his particular fame among the many musicians in the Couperin family, which produced numerous artists.
At 18, he became the organist of Saint-Gervais Church—an episode that offers a glimpse of his exceptional talent.
This time, we present a ranking of François Couperin’s most popular works!
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François Couperin Popular Song Rankings [2026] (21–30)
From Pièces de clavecin, Book III, Suite No. 14: No. 1 and No. 2François Couperin22rank/position
From Harpsichord Pieces, Third Book, Suite No.
14 (Pièces de clavecin, Troisième Livre, Ordre No.
14): No.
1 “The Nightingale in Love” (Le Rossignol en amour) and No.
2 “Variation on the Nightingale” (Double de Rossignol).
Performed by amateur pianist Kaori Nakamura from Aichi Prefecture.
From the Third Book of Harpsichord Pieces, Suite No. 14, No. 6François Couperin23rank/position
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 the Third Book of Harpsichord Pieces, Suite No. 14, No. 2: “The Nightingale in Love”François Couperin24rank/position
A piece distinguished by the graceful resonance of the harpsichord.
Its melody imitates the charming song of the nightingale, and, combined with delicate emotional expression, creates a beauty that truly touches the heart.
Beneath its gentle character lies deep feeling, and the effective use of Baroque-style ornamentation adds to its appeal.
Included as part of a collection published in 1722, it conveys the atmosphere of music beloved at the French court to this day.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy music that depicts natural scenes and subtle emotions.
Harpsichord Pieces, Book III, Suite No. 14: No. 7 “The Bells of Cythera”François Couperin25rank/position
An elegant melody that seems to carry the sound of bells from the Isle of Cythera, flowing quietly like water.
Evoking the place associated with Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, this piece seems to capture the very atmosphere of an 18th-century French court.
Its light, bell-like overlapping tones sound as if announcing lovers’ blissful moments.
Performed on the harpsichord with a delicate timbre, it lasts about 2 minutes and 20 seconds yet overflows with rich emotion.
A highly recommended piece for those who want to fully savor the charm of Couperin.
From Pièces de clavecin, Book III, Suite No. 15: No. 4 and No. 5François Couperin26rank/position
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.
Pièces de clavecin, Book III, Suite No. 17, No. 2: “The Little Windmill”François Couperin27rank/position
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.
From Pièces de clavecin, Book III, Suite No. 17François Couperin28rank/position
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.