François Couperin, a leading organist and harpsichordist of the French Late Baroque, was appointed 'organiste du roi' and 'ordinaire de la musique de la chambre du roi pour le clavecin' by Louis XIV at the age of 25.
Historical Context
The reign of Louis XIV, known as the 'grand siècle' or 'great century', saw France become one of Europe's most powerful nations, with a lavish lifestyle at the Palace of Versailles.
Recording & Production
This album includes a world premiere recording of Bonaventure Gilles's Concerto in E minor for Oboe, Strings and Continuo, arranged for trumpet and orchestra.
Interpretation
Gábor Boldoczki, the trumpet and flugelhorn soloist, chose to interpret French Baroque music on modern valve trumpet and flugelhorn, instruments not typically used in that era.
Composer Biography
Jean-Marie Leclair, a Lyon-born virtuoso violinist, had an astonishing career that began as a dancer and ended tragically when he was murdered by a jealous nephew in 1764.
Compositional Technique
Transcribing parts for different instruments and varying ensemble sizes was a common practice in instrumental music during the Baroque era.
Composer Biography
Bonaventure Gilles, a composer featured on this album, was active in neither Versailles nor Paris and served as music director for Duke Leopold Joseph of Lorraine and later his son Franz Stefan.
You might also enjoy...
Burn
Classical Collection – Lyrical Chamber
Fallen Forest (For Isaac Stern)
Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 30: III. Finale. Alla breve (Coda) (Live from the 2022 Cliburn Competition)
Beethoven: String Trio, Op. 3, Serenade, Op. 8
The Magnificent Mr. Handel
Haydn & J.S. Bach: Orchestral Works (Live)
Händel: Water Music & Music for the Royal Fireworks
Händel: Water Music Suite Nos. 1-2 & Music for the Royal Fireworks
