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François Couperin

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description François Couperin Overview

François Couperin (1668-1733), known as "Couperin le Grand," was a French Baroque composer, harpsichordist, and organist. He came from a prominent musical family and succeeded his father as organist at the Church of Saint-Gervais in Paris at age 18. He later became court organist and harpsichordist to Louis XIV. His most significant works are the four books of harpsichord pieces published between 1713 and 1730, containing over 230 compositions with evocative titles.

He also wrote the didactic treatise "L'Art de toucher le clavecin" (1716), which influenced later keyboard composers including J.S. Bach.

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Why was François Couperin called Couperin le Grand?

The title distinguished François from the many other musicians in the Couperin family and recognized his exceptional standing in French music. He served as an organist and royal musician during the reign of Louis XIV.

What are the ordres in Couperin's harpsichord music?

Couperin grouped his harpsichord pieces into ordres, flexible sequences resembling suites but often filled with character pieces and descriptive titles. He published 27 ordres across four books between 1713 and 1730.

What does Les goûts-réunis mean in Couperin's music?

It means "the reunited tastes" and describes Couperin's attempt to reconcile French elegance with Italian energy and sonata writing. He explored that union in Les Nations and in the collection titled Les goûts-réunis.

How should Couperin's ornament signs be performed?

His agréments are structural parts of the melody, not optional decorations, and their placement affects timing and expression. Couperin supplied ornament tables and extensive guidance in his 1716 treatise L'Art de toucher le clavecin.