Around Couperin

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of French Baroque music with Jean-Philippe Rameau's "Around Couperin," a captivating collection of keyboard suites that showcase the composer's mastery and innovation. Released on January 10, 2025, via Orchid Classics, this album is a testament to Rameau's enduring influence and his significant contributions to the classical piano repertoire.

"Around Couperin" features a single, expansive suite: the Keyboard Suite in A Minor, RCT 1. This suite is a journey through the dance forms and musical styles of the Baroque era, with each movement offering a unique blend of elegance and complexity. The album begins with a stirring Prélude, followed by a series of Allemandes, Courantes, Sarabandes, and Gavottes, culminating in a lively Menuet. Each piece is a testament to Rameau's compositional prowess, with intricate harmonies and rhythmic vitality that bring the Baroque era to life.

The album's duration is a concise 25 minutes, making it an ideal introduction to Rameau's keyboard works for both newcomers and seasoned classical enthusiasts. The performances are meticulously crafted, highlighting the nuances and subtleties of Rameau's compositions.

Jean-Philippe Rameau, often regarded as the leading French composer of his time, particularly after the death of François Couperin in 1733, made a lasting impact on the world of classical music. His works are known for their elegance, sophistication, and technical brilliance, making "Around Couperin" a standout addition to any classical music collection. Whether you're a fan of Baroque music or simply appreciate beautifully crafted piano compositions, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

Jean-Philippe Rameau, a titan of French classical music, revolutionized the 18th-century musical landscape with his innovative compositions and groundbreaking theories. Born in Dijon in 1683, Rameau's legacy endures through his masterful operas, harpsichord works, and influential treatises on harmony. Often hailed as the successor to Jean-Baptiste Lully, Rameau's operatic genius transformed French opera, earning him the title of the leading French composer of his time. His prowess extended to the harpsichord, where he stood alongside François Couperin as a virtuoso. Rameau's catalog, categorized by the Rameau Catalogue Thématique, includes a wealth of cantatas, canons, and other musical gems that continue to captivate audiences today. Beyond his compositions, Rameau's theoretical works have left an indelible mark on the world of music, solidifying his status as a pioneer in the realm of harmony.