François Couperin

The Profile

François Couperin (1668–1733) was a French Baroque composer, organist, and harpsichordist known as “le Grand.” A member of the Couperin musical dynasty, he served as organist at Saint-Gervais and as organist of the Chapelle Royale under Louis XIV. His output includes four books of Pièces de clavecin, sacred vocal music, chamber works such as Les Nations and Concerts Royaux, and tributes like L'Apothéose de Lully.

Publicly verifiable: François Couperin (1668–1733), French Baroque composer and keyboard virtuoso, also known as “le Grand,” active in Paris at Saint-Gervais and the Chapelle Royale; key works include Pièces de clavecin, Les Nations, Concerts Royaux, Les Goûts-réünis, Leçons de ténèbres, and L'Apothéose de Lully. The review discusses Pièces de violes (1728) and references Marin Marais and Sainte-Colombe.

One poetic, reflective review focuses on Pièces de violes (1728), framed as a memorial nod to Marin Marais. It dwells on the sonority of two viols and harpsichord, the embrace of dissonance, and Baroque’s shadowy harmonies. The piece places Couperin within the Couperin family lineage and the Parisian musical orbit.