Couperin L'Alchimiste: Les Années de jeunesse

Featuring

Bertrand Cuiller
Jean-Luc Ho
Vincent Lièvre-Picard
Thomas Van Essen
Nicolas Rouault
Florent Baffi

Volny Hostiou
Ensemble Les Meslanges
François Couperin
François Cosset
Paul Damance

Did you know?

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Composer Biography

François Couperin came from a family of organists who held the prestigious post at the Church of Saint-Gervais in Paris for over 150 years, from 1653 until 1830.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Couperin's First Book of harpsichord pieces, published in 1713, contains 'character' pieces with enigmatic titles, which the composer stated corresponded to specific ideas he had, but declined to explain.

Historical Context

The Church of Saint-Gervais, where François Couperin's family served as organists, was one of the oldest and most important parishes in Paris, boasting a facade considered among the most magnificent in Europe.

Composer Biography

François Couperin's mother ensured his musical education after his father's death when François was ten, securing his future as organist of Saint-Gervais and hiring various masters for his instruction.

Composition History

Couperin's two organ Masses, featured on this album, were published in 1690 and were deemed 'extremely beautiful' by Michel-Richard de Lalande, a renowned composer and Royal Chapel sub-master.

Interpretation

The organ Masses on this recording are performed in alternatim with plainchant, a historical practice where organ sections alternate with sung liturgical chant.

Album & Artwork

This album, 'Couperin l'Alchimiste: Les Années de jeunesse', is the second volume in a series exploring the complete harpsichord works of François Couperin, a French Baroque composer.