Francois Couperin
(1668 - 1733)French composer, harpsichordist, and organist, the most distinguished
of his family, known as 'Couperin le Grand' because of his prowess as
an organist. Taught by his father Charles and by Jacques Thomelin.
Became organist of St. Gervais, succeeded Thomelin as organist of Royal
chapel, with the title 'organiste du Roi'. In 1717, became 'ordinaire
de la musique de la chambre du Roi', acknowledgement of his special
position in the court. On almost every Sunday, Couperin and colleagues
gave chamber concerts for the king, for which he composed what he
called 'concerts'. These are in the form of suites and may have been
intented for the harpsichord, of which he he was a virtuoso, but were
probably performed on violin, viol, oboe, bassoon, and harpsichord.
Couperin was greatly influenced by Corelli and introduced into France
the Italian's trio-sonata form, himself publishing in 1726 Les Nations,
a set of 4 suites for 2 violins and harpsichord. Also composed 'grand
trio sonata' sub-titled Le Parnasse, ou l'Apothéose de
Corelli. In 1716, published famous book L'Art de toucher le clavecin,
containing instructions for fingering, methods of touch, and execution
of agréments (ornamentation) in performing harpsichord
pieces. This had strong influence on Bach. His 4 published volumes of
harpsichord works contain over 230 pieces which proclaim him a supreme
master of the keyboard. Most have picturesque or descriptive titles and
are like miniature tone-poems. This perhaps is a clue to their appeal
to Richard Strauss, who orchestrated several Couperin pieces. First
complete edition of Couperin's harpsichord music was prepared by Brahms
and Chrysander, 1871-88. Ravel composed a 20th century tribute to him
in Le tombeau de Couperin (1914-17).
Principle works:
Chamber Music: Quatre Concerts Royaux (1722); Les
Gouts-Reunis ou Nouveaux Concerts (10 concerts
including the 'Corelli' Grand Trio, 1724); Les Nations (4 Ordres for 2
strings and harpsichord, 1726); Concert instrumental ('in memory of the
immortal Lully', 1725).
Harpsichord: Pieces de Clavecin, Book 1 (5 Ordres, 1713), Book 2
(7 Ordres, 1717), Book 3 (7 Ordres, 1722), Book 4 (8 Ordres, 1730).
Organ: 42 Pieces d'orgue consistantes en deux Messes (1690).
Also songs and religious works. Read more on Wikipedia.