François Couperin, the composer, created the Concerts royaux in 1714 and 1715 for small chamber concerts for Louis XIV, the King of France, who summoned him almost every Sunday.
Composition History
The Concerts royaux were published in 1722 as a supplement to Couperin's Troisième Livre de pièces de clavecin, though they were composed earlier.
Compositional Technique
The Concerts royaux are not true suites; the pieces were grouped by key for publication, with key being the only unifying element.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Couperin stated in 1713 that he preferred music that 'touches rather than surprises' him, indicating his artistic philosophy.
Recording & Production
This recording was made from December 20 to 23, 2015, at the Église évangélique luthérienne Saint-Pierre in Paris.
Compositional Technique
Couperin left the instrumentation of the Concerts royaux to the musicians' discretion, providing indications like 'for the viol, if so wished' or 'for the violin or the transverse flute'.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Couperin's chamber music, like all his works, is characterized by melancholy, grace, and restraint, rarely giving way to virtuosity, which he abhorred.
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