The Couperin family was a lineage of prominent organists who held the organist position at the Church of Saint Gervais in Paris for 200 years.
Composer Biography
François Couperin, the composer of this organ mass, was known as 'le Grand' (the Great) and was the son of Charles Couperin.
Recording & Production
The organ used for this recording is in need of restoration, and the recording itself aims to generate interest in the St Nikolaj Church organ to help raise funds for its repair.
Instruments
The organ in St Nikolaj Church was built in 1931 and was the first 'organ-movement' instrument, designed to resemble organs played by Bach and Buxtehude.
Compositional Technique
In an organ mass, only every second sentence of the Gregorian chant is sung, with the unsung sentences replaced by organ music.
Compositional Technique
The organ movements in an organ mass are extremely varied, challenging the performer to use imagination for varied registrations, characteristic of French Baroque.
Composer Biography
François Couperin le Grand became cembalist at the royal court in 1693 and also taught music to the royal princes.
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