Couperin: Suite for Viola da gamba

Featuring

Mikko Perkola
Aapo Häkkinen
François Couperin

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Compositional Technique

Couperin's 27th harpsichord 'ordre' includes 'Les Chinois', an early example of Western music showing interest in China, though it makes no musical reference to the country.

Recording & Production

The viola da gamba used for this recording was made by Guy Harrison in 1998, modeled after a Michel Colichon instrument from 1691, and the harpsichord by Keith Hill in 2008, after a Pascal Taskin instrument from 1769.

Composition History

The Suites for Viola da gamba and Harpsichord are late works by Couperin, published in 1728, and are considered perfect examples of his richly expressive style.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Couperin had a lasting enthusiasm for Italian music, particularly the work of Corelli, which led to him being awarded a Lateran knighthood.

Composer Biography

François Couperin, known as 'Le Grand', was born in 1668 into a musical family, and comparisons have been drawn between the Couperin family and the Bach musical dynasty.

Composer Biography

François Couperin held prestigious positions in Paris, including organist of the Chapelle Royale and Maître de Clavecin des Enfants de France, teaching children of the royal family.

Composer Biography

Couperin's father died early, and the position of organist at Saint-Gervais was held for the ten-year-old François until he was old enough to take up the duties himself.