François Couperin Suite in A major

#Couperin #FrenchBaroque #HarpsichordMusic #HarpsichordSuite #EarlyMusic
Date of publication 1948
Alfred Ziegera (bass viola da gamba)
Aldrich Putnam (harpsichord)
François Couperin (1668–1733), known as "Couperin le Grand," was a master of the French Baroque style, and his Suite in A major exemplifies the elegance, refinement, and intricate ornamentation that characterized the period. This suite, written for harpsichord, is part of Couperin's large collection of *Pieces de clavecin* (Keyboard Pieces), which revolutionized solo keyboard music with their poetic titles and expressive depth.
Couperin's work is distinguished by its *style brisé* ("broken style"), where harmonies are arpeggiated to imitate the lute, and complex ornaments (*agréments*) that demand precision and nuance from the performer.
Couperin's keyboard works were written primarily for the aristocratic salons of Louis XIV's France, where music was an integral part of court life. His works often have descriptive titles (e.g. *Les Barricades Mystérieuses*), although *Suite in A Major* leans more toward abstract dance forms. The suite reflects the aesthetic of the French Baroque – ornate, refined and deeply expressive, with an emphasis on clarity and balance.
Couperin’s suites bridged the gap between the strict counterpoint of the Baroque and the emerging *galant* style. His influence extended to later composers such as Rameau and even Debussy, who admired Couperin’s poetic approach to keyboard writing.
*Suite in A major* opens a window into the refined world of 18th-century France, where music was as subtle as it was emotional. Its dances shimmer with vitality, and its slower movements invite introspection – the perfect introduction to the art of French Baroque keyboard playing. Dear listeners, you have the opportunity to support the channel:
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