Couperin, François

Couperin, François (fräNswä` kpərăN`), 1668–1733, French harpsichordist and composer, called "le Grand" to distinguish him from the other musicians in his family. His harpsichord music, in its charm, delicacy, and graceful ornamentation, represents the culmination of French rococo. He published four books of harpsichord suites (1713–30), which generally consisted of short, highly ornamental pieces, with descriptive titles such as Les Abeilles, Les Papillons, La Voluptueuse, and Le Rossignol en amour. His style of harpsichord playing, formulated in L'Art de toucher de clavecin (1716), influenced the keyboard technique of Bach. Couperin also composed much religious and chamber music and works for the organ. He was organist (1685–1733) at St. Gervais, Paris, a position held by members of the Couperin family from c.1650 until 1826. In 1693, Couperin was chosen by Louis XIV as one of the organists of the royal chapel, and later he was made music master of the royal family and harpsichordist at the royal court. The Couperin line of musicians had begun with three brothers—Louis (c.1626–1661), an organist, violinist, and composer of harpsichord suites, which are characterized by a vigorous, frequently dissonant style; François (c.1631–c.1710), a harpsichordist and violinist; and Charles (1638–79), an organist, the father of Couperin le Grand. The line extended to the great-grandsons of François, the second brother Pierre Louis (1755–89) and François Gervais (1759–1826), who were organists at St. Gervais.

Bibliography

See biography by P. Brunold (1949).

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Couperin, François

(born Nov. 10, 1668, Paris, France —died Sept. 12, 1733, Paris) French composer, harpsichordist, and organist. At age 17 he succeeded his father as organist at the important church of St. Gervais and kept the post for some 50 years. He was later also appointed organist and harpsichordist at the court of Louis XIV. Couperin is best known for four books of harpsichord pieces containing some 220 elegant, vivacious, and richly ornamented works (Pièces de clavecin, 1713–30). His other works include a collection of more than 40 organ compositions (Pièces d'orgue, 1709); much sacred vocal music (including the Leçons de ténèbres, c. 1715); and several sets of chamber music (including the Concerts royaux, 1722). His Art of Playing the Harpsichord (1716) is the most valuable instrumental treatise of its time. He was the foremost French composer of his generation. His uncle Louis Couperin (1626–61), also organist at St. Gervais, composed more than 200 keyboard works.

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Couperin, François 

Born Nov. 10, 1668, in Paris; died there Sept. 12, 1733. French composer, organist, and harpsichordist.

Couperin came from a family that produced several generations of musicians in the 17th and 18th centuries; François was known as Couperin le grand. His major contribution to music are his pieces for the harpsichord, distinguished by their melodiousness and elegance. His works represent the summit of French harpsichord art. Couperin wrote the treatise The Art of Playing the Harpsichord (1716). A complete collection of his works in 12 volumes was published in Paris (1932–33).

REFERENCES

Alekseev, A. D. Klavirnoe iskusstvo. Moscow-Leningrad, 1952.
Druskin, M. S. Klavirnaia muzyka. Leningrad, 1960.
Hofman, S. L’Oeuvre de clavecin de François Couperin le grand. Paris, 1961.