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The Elusive M Couperin

Donald Macleod considers how Couperin's fourth book of harpsichord pieces reveals a different side to his character.

The melancholy which seems to have descended on François Couperin over the last twenty years of his life, is reflected in his brilliant fourth book of harpsichord pieces. Donald Macleod and Olivier Baumont, who plays three contrasting portraits of the musician, attempt to draw a picture of this elusive yet brilliant figure of the French baroque, with examples from Couperin's final publication, specially recorded on a 17th century harpsichord, part of the Cobbe Collection of keyboard instruments, at Hatchlands Park in Surrey.

1 hour

Last on

Fri 13 Jan 2012 18:30

Music Played

  • François Couperin

    La Couperin

    Performer: (Quatrième livre de Pièces de clavecin)

    • (Olivier Baumont (harpsichord).
  • François Couperin

    Les ombres errantes

    Performer: (Quatrième livre de Pièces de clavecin)

    • (Olivier Baumont (harpsichord).
  • François Couperin

    La chemise blanche (Second suite for Viols)

    Performer: Jordi Savall (bass viol) Performer: Ton Koopman (harpsichord) Performer: Ariane Maurette (bass viol)

    • Astree E7744.
    • 11.
  • François Couperin

    Le Parnasse ou L'apothéose de Corelli

    Performer: English Baroque Soloists Performer: John Eliot Gardiner (conductor)

    • Musifrance 2292 45011-2.
    • 1 to 6.
  • Nicolas d'Agincourt

    La Couperin in E minor

    Performer: Olivier Baumont (harpsichord)

    • ´óÏó´«Ã½ recording.
  • Antoine Forqueray

    La Couperin in D minor

    Performer: Olivier Baumont (harpsichord)

    • ´óÏó´«Ã½ recording.
  • François Couperin

    Troisième Leçon de Ténèbres Pour Le Mercredi Saint à Deux Voix

    Performer: Johanette Zomer (soprano ) Performer: Anne Grimm (soprano) Performer: La sfera Armoniosa

    • Channel Classics CCS SA 20306.
    • 5.

Broadcasts

  • Fri 13 Jan 2012 12:00
  • Fri 13 Jan 2012 18:30

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