François Couperin's Concerts Royaux were performed for King Louis XIV as early as 1714, about a decade before their publication.
Recording & Production
This album is a 2013 re-edition of a 1990 recording, featuring 24-bit digital recording technology.
Compositional Technique
The 9th Concert, titled 'Il Ritratto dell'Amore' (The Portrait of Love), is a collection of 'musical portraits' depicting emotional states and psychological situations related to love.
Compositional Technique
The Concerts Royaux demonstrate Couperin's ability to blend French and Italian styles, particularly in the 14th Concert which shows influence from Corelli, an Italian violinist and composer.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Couperin's music, though less ostentatious than that of Lully or Delalande, aimed to evoke more reserved and personal emotions, reflecting his relationship with the court of Versailles.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Couperin's style is characterized by its ability to suggest emotions and atmospheres without resorting to excessive solutions, following his principle of moving the listener rather than amazing them.
Composer Biography
Couperin, a Royal Organist since 1693, only received official recognition as a harpsichordist in 1717, when he was called to assist D'Anglebert the Younger as Royal Harpsichordist.
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