Couperin, François

(1668-1733)

   composer, organist, harpsichordist

   Called "Le Grand" Couperin, François Couperin is celebrated for his musical compositions that stand at the apex of French baroque music. Born in Paris, the son and nephew of the organists there at the church of Saint-Gervais, Couperin was trained early to follow in their profession (the Couperin family would hold that position until 1826). In 1693, he became organist of the royal chapel and director of music at court. He was soon known throughout Europe. The epitome of the French baroque tradition, Couperin was also influenced by Italian works and artists such as Arcangelo Corelli. In his mature period he achieved a fusion of the French and Italian musical styles. His four volumes of harpsichord music (1713-30) are a monument of French keyboard music that influenced other great composers, such as J. S. Bach. They are groupings of short, lilting pieces, cast in dance rhythms varying from elegant to satirical to profound. His treatise, L'Art de toucher le clavecin (1716-17), is a major statement of 18th-century performance practices. Couperin also introduced the sonata to France, adding to this Italian genre a typically French form of ornamentation and melody. of particular importance, too, are his collections of Les Nations (1726) and the 12 concerts for harpsichord and other instruments (1714, 1724). In church music are the three Leçons de ténèbres (1714-15) for solo voices, organ, and other instruments. Couperin's organ masses are considered among the finest examples of French baroque organ music.