Couperin's treatise, L'Art de toucher le clavecin (The art of harpsichord playing), provides crucial insights into interpreting his music and French music of his era, guiding modern performers to respect his intentions.
Interpretation
François Couperin's music, while seemingly simple, requires a particular expressive sensitivity and abundant use of ornaments, demanding relaxation and control from the performer.
Interpretation
Couperin noted that French music is written differently from how it is performed, unlike Italian music which is notated with its true values, leading to difficulties for foreigners playing French music.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded from May 11 to 13, 2018, in the Écuries du Château de Chaumont Laguiche.
Instruments
The harpsichord used in this recording is a replica of a 1755 instrument by Nicholas Lefebvre, a Rouen maker whose original instruments have not survived.
Instruments
The harpsichord was built by Martin Skowroneck, a professional harpsichord builder, as part of a challenge to create a high-quality 'forgery' of an antique instrument.
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