François Couperin belonged to a large dynasty of musicians, mostly organists and harpsichordists, spanning several generations.
Composition History
Couperin's collection Les Nations, published in 1726, combines Italian-style sonatas with French dance suites.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The title Les Nations refers to the intentional combination of Italian and French musical styles, as well as four political powers: French, Spanish, Imperial, and Piedmont.
Composition History
Couperin initially disguised his early sonatas as works by a new Italian composer, due to French prejudice against foreign innovations, and received great applause.
Compositional Technique
Couperin's sonatas in Les Nations are trio sonatas, similar to those by Corelli, and feature a mix of Italian and French stylistic elements.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in the Galerie Dorée of the Banque de France, a historic venue where the Comte de Toulouse, Couperin's harpsichord student, once learned music.
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