Immerse yourself in the opulent world of the French Baroque with François Couperin's "Concerts Royaux," a captivating collection of chamber music that transports you to the resplendent courts of Louis XIV. Composed between 1714 and 1715, these four suites were performed in intimate chamber settings, offering a glimpse into the refined musical tastes of the French aristocracy.
Couperin, a master of the clavecin, was accompanied by some of the most esteemed musicians of his time, including François Duval, a member of the prestigious Vingt-quatre Violons du Roy, and the renowned hautboïste Philidor. This album, released by ANALEKTA in 2013, features a unique arrangement for two harpsichords, a formation that Couperin himself favored, adding a rich and intricate layer to the music.
The "Concerts Royaux" is a testament to Couperin's genius, showcasing his elegant and innovative compositions that have influenced generations of composers, including J.S. Bach, Telemann, and Handel. The album spans a duration of one hour, with 25 tracks that encompass a variety of dance-inspired movements, from the stately Prélude to the lively Gavotte and the intricate Chaconne.
This recording offers a rare opportunity to experience the music of François Couperin in a way that honors his legacy and the grandeur of the French Baroque era. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, "Concerts Royaux" promises an enchanting journey through the sounds and styles of a bygone age.
(C) 2013 Groupe Analekta, Inc.(P) 2013 Groupe Analekta, Inc.
Tracks
Premier Concert en sol majeur: I. PréludeFrançois Couperin, Luc Beauséjour, Chantal Remillard, Margaret Little, Grégoire Jeay, Matthew Jennejohn, Mathieu Lussier
Premier Concert en sol majeur: II. AllemandeFrançois Couperin, Luc Beauséjour, Chantal Remillard, Margaret Little, Grégoire Jeay, Matthew Jennejohn, Mathieu Lussier
Premier Concert en sol majeur: III. SarabandeFrançois Couperin, Luc Beauséjour, Chantal Remillard, Margaret Little, Grégoire Jeay, Matthew Jennejohn, Mathieu Lussier
Premier Concert en sol majeur: IV. GavotteFrançois Couperin, Luc Beauséjour, Chantal Remillard, Margaret Little, Grégoire Jeay, Matthew Jennejohn, Mathieu Lussier
Premier Concert en sol majeur: V. GigueFrançois Couperin, Luc Beauséjour, Chantal Remillard, Margaret Little, Grégoire Jeay, Matthew Jennejohn, Mathieu Lussier
Premier Concert en sol majeur: VI. Menuet en TrioFrançois Couperin, Luc Beauséjour, Chantal Remillard, Margaret Little, Grégoire Jeay, Matthew Jennejohn, Mathieu Lussier
Deuxième concert en ré: I. PréludeFrançois Couperin, Luc Beauséjour, Chantal Remillard, Margaret Little, Grégoire Jeay, Matthew Jennejohn, Mathieu Lussier
Deuxième concert en ré: II. Allemande fuguéeFrançois Couperin, Luc Beauséjour, Chantal Remillard, Margaret Little, Grégoire Jeay, Matthew Jennejohn, Mathieu Lussier
Deuxième concert en ré: III. Air tendreFrançois Couperin, Luc Beauséjour, Chantal Remillard, Margaret Little, Grégoire Jeay, Matthew Jennejohn, Mathieu Lussier
Deuxième Concert en ré: IV. Air contrefuguéFrançois Couperin, Luc Beauséjour, Chantal Remillard, Margaret Little, Grégoire Jeay, Matthew Jennejohn, Mathieu Lussier
Deuxième concert en ré: V. ÉchosFrançois Couperin, Luc Beauséjour, Chantal Remillard, Margaret Little, Grégoire Jeay, Matthew Jennejohn, Mathieu Lussier
Troisième Concert en la: I. PréludeFrançois Couperin, Luc Beauséjour, Chantal Remillard, Margaret Little, Grégoire Jeay, Matthew Jennejohn, Mathieu Lussier
Troisième Concert en la: II. AllemandeFrançois Couperin, Luc Beauséjour, Chantal Remillard, Margaret Little, Grégoire Jeay, Matthew Jennejohn, Mathieu Lussier
Troisième Concert en la: III. CouranteFrançois Couperin, Luc Beauséjour, Chantal Remillard, Margaret Little, Grégoire Jeay, Matthew Jennejohn, Mathieu Lussier
Troisième Concert en la: IV. Sarabande graveFrançois Couperin, Luc Beauséjour, Chantal Remillard, Margaret Little, Grégoire Jeay, Matthew Jennejohn, Mathieu Lussier
Troisième Concert en la: V. GavotteFrançois Couperin, Luc Beauséjour, Chantal Remillard, Margaret Little, Grégoire Jeay, Matthew Jennejohn, Mathieu Lussier
Troisième Concert en la: VI. MusetteFrançois Couperin, Luc Beauséjour, Chantal Remillard, Margaret Little, Grégoire Jeay, Matthew Jennejohn, Mathieu Lussier
Troisième Concert en la: VII. Chaconne légèreFrançois Couperin, Luc Beauséjour, Chantal Remillard, Margaret Little, Grégoire Jeay, Matthew Jennejohn, Mathieu Lussier
Quatrième Concert en mi: I. PréludeFrançois Couperin, Luc Beauséjour, Chantal Remillard, Margaret Little, Grégoire Jeay, Matthew Jennejohn, Mathieu Lussier
Quatrième Concert en mi: II. AllemandeFrançois Couperin, Luc Beauséjour, Chantal Remillard, Margaret Little, Grégoire Jeay, Matthew Jennejohn, Mathieu Lussier
Quatrième Concert en mi: III. Courante françaiseFrançois Couperin, Luc Beauséjour, Chantal Remillard, Margaret Little, Grégoire Jeay, Matthew Jennejohn, Mathieu Lussier
Quatrième Concert en mi: IV. Courante à l'italienneFrançois Couperin, Luc Beauséjour, Chantal Remillard, Margaret Little, Grégoire Jeay, Matthew Jennejohn, Mathieu Lussier
Quatrième Concert en mi: V. SarabandeFrançois Couperin, Luc Beauséjour, Chantal Remillard, Margaret Little, Grégoire Jeay, Matthew Jennejohn, Mathieu Lussier
Quatrième Concert en mi: VI. RigaudonFrançois Couperin, Luc Beauséjour, Chantal Remillard, Margaret Little, Grégoire Jeay, Matthew Jennejohn, Mathieu Lussier
Quatrième Concert en mi: ForlaneFrançois Couperin, Luc Beauséjour, Chantal Remillard, Margaret Little, Grégoire Jeay, Matthew Jennejohn, Mathieu Lussier
François Couperin, born in Paris in 1668, was a titan of French Baroque music, renowned as a composer, organist, and harpsichordist. Known as 'Couperin le Grand' to distinguish him from other musicians in his prolific family, his music is synonymous with the opulence and elegance of the reign of Louis XIV. Couperin's compositions, which include a vast array of chamber music and harpsichord pieces, are celebrated for their technical brilliance and expressive depth. His most famous work, 'Les Baricades Mistérieuses', remains a staple in the classical repertoire, captivating audiences with its intricate melodies and harmonies. Couperin's legacy endures, inspiring generations of musicians and music enthusiasts alike.
Vinylscout
François Couperin
