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The Music Room => Composer Discussion => Topic started by: adamdavid80 on October 02, 2008, 11:29:36 AM

Title: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: adamdavid80 on October 02, 2008, 11:29:36 AM
Anyone have any recommendations?  I recently heard some solo piano work - by Angela Hewitt - and am wondering what the best recordings are and even the best place to start.
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: Josquin des Prez on October 02, 2008, 11:51:58 AM
The complete cycle by Scott Ross is my current benchmark and i can hardly think of anything that would top it. It's hopelessly out of print now but you can find it through p2p. I really recommend it.
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: Novi on October 02, 2008, 11:56:50 AM
Quote from: adamdavid80 on October 02, 2008, 11:29:36 AM
Anyone have any recommendations?  I recently heard some solo piano work - by Angela Hewitt - and am wondering what the best recordings are and even the best place to start.

On piano? I recently got the EMI Marcelle Meyer box and I enjoyed her Couperin very much. In fact, all her baroque stuff is good and it's what I listen to the most from the set. I'm not sure if they're available separately though. Someone here recommended her Rameau and I started with those disks - there's such an ethereal beauty to it.

Caveat: I'm not too familiar with Couperin and haven't heard Hewitt either, but like Meyer's playing. So this post isn't really all that much use to you :-\ :P.

More knowledgeable people will come along anon :).

(http://www.classicstoday.com/images/coverpics/11302_coverpic.jpg)
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: Josquin des Prez on October 02, 2008, 12:07:13 PM
Couperin on piano? Just, no.  ;D
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: scarpia on October 02, 2008, 12:21:26 PM
Quote from: adamdavid80 on October 02, 2008, 11:29:36 AM
Anyone have any recommendations?  I recently heard some solo piano work - by Angela Hewitt - and am wondering what the best recordings are and even the best place to start.

I had all of Hewitt's Couperin discs but ended up selling them quite recently.  Now I have a 2CD set of Rousset's recordings on HM.  I have nothing against harpsichord music on piano, and I like Hewitt's Bach recordings.  But I came to feel that Couperin's harpsichord music really is idiomatic for the harpsichord and doesn't transfer well to piano (in contrast to a lot of Bach's keyboard music, which strikes me as being more universal in character).

Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: SonicMan46 on October 02, 2008, 06:03:04 PM
Quote from: scarpia on October 02, 2008, 12:21:26 PM
I had all of Hewitt's Couperin discs but ended up selling them quite recently.  Now I have a 2CD set of Rousset's recordings on HM.  I have nothing against harpsichord music on piano..............

I'm in the same mode - have the Hewitt discs (all 3; great price from the BMG Music Club) - quite enjoyable, but you must take a listen to this music on the piano vs. the harpsichord, and then decide 'for yourself' which instrument is your preference?  I own several harpsichord versions myself and have not been able to make up my mind - on this forum, you're have opinions that may be strongly favoring one or the other keyboard instrument, but again, it will come down to the end - what you enjoy, so just try to hear a number of performances on different instruments & by various performers - I'm still 'up in the air' about my own choice(s) -  :D
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: Que on October 02, 2008, 07:43:01 PM
Quote from: adamdavid80 on October 02, 2008, 11:29:36 AM
Anyone have any recommendations?  I recently heard some solo piano work - by Angela Hewitt - and am wondering what the best recordings are and even the best place to start.

This thread might be of interest: French Baroque Music (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,1729.0.html)

Q
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: val on October 03, 2008, 12:54:31 AM
Above all, I suggest the extraordinary Leçons des Tenèbres (Gens, Piau, Les Talents Lyriques, Rousset).

Then, the works for harpsichord, played by Christophe Rousset.

Regarding chamber music, Les Nations would be my first choice (Goebel, Linden, Hazelzet), followed by the Gouts Réunis and Suites for viola da gamba by Wieland Kuijken.
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: SonicMan46 on October 03, 2008, 07:00:52 AM
Well, now my interest is 'peaked again' in obtaining Couperin's keyboard music on the harpsichord - I've had the Rousset option on my 'wish list' for months, but the complete set seems unavailable (at least here; the same w/ Ross).

Below is a Brilliant 11-CD box w/ Borgstede that received an excellent Fanfare Review (http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?album_id=142933), reprinted on the ArkivMusic site; also, in the last pages of the 'French Baroque Music' thread, a number of excellent postive comments were made (now $46 on the Amazon Marketplace) - any new thoughts on these recordings?

Also, there is a 10-CD set of these works on harpsichord w/ Oliver Baumont - also about $50 on the Marketplace and at BRO; this set received brief comments of the thread linked by Que, but I would be curious if there are further thoughts?

So, for $5/CD, both of these boxes seem to be excellent value - others to consider?  Thanks -  :D

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DEJBFC8PL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)  (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51wIYEztoBL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: DarkAngel on March 31, 2010, 12:54:24 PM
Quote from: SonicMan on October 03, 2008, 07:00:52 AM
Well, now my interest is 'peaked again' in obtaining Couperin's keyboard music on the harpsichord - I've had the Rousset option on my 'wish list' for months, but the complete set seems unavailable (at least here; the same w/ Ross).

Below is a Brilliant 11-CD box w/ Borgstede that received an excellent Fanfare Review (http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?album_id=142933), reprinted on the ArkivMusic site; also, in the last pages of the 'French Baroque Music' thread, a number of excellent postive comments were made (now $46 on the Amazon Marketplace) - any new thoughts on these recordings?

Also, there is a 10-CD set of these works on harpsichord w/ Oliver Baumont - also about $50 on the Marketplace and at BRO; this set received brief comments of the thread linked by Que, but I would be curious if there are further thoughts?

So, for $5/CD, both of these boxes seem to be excellent value - others to consider?  Thanks -  :D

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DEJBFC8PL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)  (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51wIYEztoBL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)

I have that Borgstede Brilliant boxset and it was pretty good.......but I am not completely satisfied overall and think a better complete set can be had.

I have Couperin books 2 & 3 by Rousset and they are much better for me, and I also have book 4 by Baumont......a bit less dramatic than Rousset, but still preferred to Borgstede and the sound was very pleasing overall.

Therefore I did order the Baumont boxset (very cheap) shown above and expect delivery very soon, I will then do a more complete comparison but I am already biased to Baumont......

Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: Que on March 31, 2010, 01:02:38 PM
Quote from: DarkAngel on March 31, 2010, 12:54:24 PM

I have that Borgstede Brilliant boxset and it was pretty good.......but I am not completely satisfied overall and think a better complete set can be had.

I have Couperin books 2 & 3 by Rousset and they are much better for me, and I also have book 4 by Baumont......a bit less dramatic than Rousset, but still preferred to Borgstede and the sound was very pleasing overall.

Therefore I did order the Baumont boxset (very cheap) shown above and expect delivery very soon, I will then do a more complete comparison but I am already biased to Baumont......

I share your reservations on Borgstede and it is a incredible pity that Rousset is not (yet) available again. I have that and it is wonderful. I also love Noelle Pieth's set, though that is quite different from Rousset: far less brilliantly theatrical, more inward looking and poetic and yet as (appropriately) enigmatic.

Q
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: Drasko on March 31, 2010, 01:21:31 PM
Quote from: Que on March 31, 2010, 01:02:38 PM
it is a incredible pity that ...

... Scott Ross' cycle is stuck on that beyond obscure French label.

It can at least be sampled. There is 24-bit/44.1 kHz LP transfer of Eight Order from Second Book, available as torrent (http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/4822407/Francois_Couperin__Eighth_Order_for_Harpsichord__24-bit_44.1_kHz) provided by loudav. 
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: Que on March 31, 2010, 10:50:02 PM
Quote from: Drasko on March 31, 2010, 01:21:31 PM
... Scott Ross' cycle is stuck on that beyond obscure French label.


And I never had the chance to hear it! :o :'( Thanks for the link! :)
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: PaulSC on March 10, 2011, 04:53:49 PM
Old news to many GMGers, probably, but I just learned today that Johannes Brahms co-edited a complete edition of the Couperin Pièces de Clavecin. Interesting!
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: FideLeo on March 11, 2011, 04:29:24 AM
Couperin (along with guys like Frescobaldi) also made a few appearances in in Bartok's diary  ;)

[asin]B0007RUT52[/asin]


Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: SonicMan46 on March 11, 2011, 05:56:08 AM
Quote from: DarkAngel on March 31, 2010, 12:54:24 PM

I have that Borgstede Brilliant boxset and it was pretty good.......but I am not completely satisfied overall and think a better complete set can be had.

I have Couperin books 2 & 3 by Rousset and they are much better for me, and I also have book 4 by Baumont......a bit less dramatic than Rousset, but still preferred to Borgstede and the sound was very pleasing overall.

Therefore I did order the Baumont boxset (very cheap) shown above and expect delivery very soon, I will then do a more complete comparison but I am already biased to Baumont......

Guys - back a year ago, there was a series of posts discussing the available Couperin boxes - one post is quoted above from DarkAngel - I was hoping he would report back here once his Baumont box arrived (even sent him a PM recently, but he has not been active since the beginning of the year).

So, over the last year, any additional or new comments on Borgstede vs. Baumont, or on other options that may have appeared in the interim?  Thanks -  :D

Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: Archaic Torso of Apollo on March 11, 2011, 06:08:37 AM
Quote from: PaulSC on March 10, 2011, 04:53:49 PM
Old news to many GMGers, probably, but I just learned today that Johannes Brahms co-edited a complete edition of the Couperin Pièces de Clavecin. Interesting!

Brahms was really interested in early music: he also collected scores by the likes of Scarlatti and Rameau, and I think even Renaissance composers as well.

As for recordings: authenticity be damned, I get a kick out of Tharaud's Couperin disc on piano, which includes such modifications as overdubbing and, in one piece, the addition of a drum:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41WBktu8TqL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

(BTW, I walked past Couperin's house when I was in Paris last year)
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: FideLeo on March 11, 2011, 06:23:27 AM
Quote from: SonicMan on March 11, 2011, 05:56:08 AM
Guys - back a year ago, there was a series of posts discussing the available Couperin boxes - one post is quoted above from DarkAngel - I was hoping he would report back here once his Baumont box arrived (even sent him a PM recently, but he has not been active since the beginning of the year).

So, over the last year, any additional or new comments on Borgstede vs. Baumont, or on other options that may have appeared in the interim?  Thanks -  :D

Tharaud's piano travesty be damned, I root for Noelle Spieth's OOP (other than as mp3) integral as the ultimate proof that Couperin works best on the harpsichord. :D  (In the review quoted below, Baumont scores a 4, Borgstede gets a mere 2 while Spieth claims the gold.)

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41D082ny%2BYL._SS500_.jpg)

http://www.musebaroque.fr/Critiques/couperin_integrale_clavecin.htm

Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: Que on April 23, 2011, 06:22:59 PM
Quote from: milk on April 23, 2011, 04:16:21 PM
I'd also like to hear about people's favorite Couperin (F) recordings but perhaps it's for another forum.

I have and like  Christophe Rousset (HM) and Noëlle Spieth (Solstice). Olivier Baumont (Erato/Warner) should probably join them in the top three. I play Spieth the most.

Q
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: karlhenning on September 13, 2011, 07:54:07 AM
Quote from: ~ Que ~ on March 31, 2010, 01:02:38 PM

Quote from: DarkAngelI have that Borgstede Brilliant boxset and it was pretty good.......but I am not completely satisfied overall and think a better complete set can be had.

I share your reservations on Borgstede [ ... ]

Thank you both.
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: Moonfish on March 04, 2015, 11:44:53 AM
Ahh, how can Couperin's thread have been silent for more than three years!!!!   :o :o :o

*bump*


I just listened to
Couperin: Keyboard Music 2           Angela Hewitt

I must admit that I am split between listening to the harpsichord and the piano when it comes to Couperin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fran%C3%A7ois_Couperin) and Rameau (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Philippe_Rameau). It almost seems as if each instrument brings forward different qualities in the music. The piano weaves a light soundscape with less momentum than the harpsichord. So far I have been quite pleased with Hewitt's recordings of both composers. This volume (released in 2004) certainly provides the dreamlike texture to the music that I now associate with Couperin. It is a pleasant journey with the notes seemingly appearing like raindrops from the sky swirling in their own internal dance.  There is an almost  hypnotic quality to Couperin's music in Hewitt's performance.  Now I just need to tackle Baumont's renditions....

[asin] B0001FYR2G[/asin]

(http://www.uned.es/dpto-hdi/museovirtualhistoriamasoneria/15musica_y_masoneria/Francois_Couperin.jpg)
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: Moonfish on March 04, 2015, 11:50:22 AM
I came across this very interesting article/blog about Couperin's music...    8)

François Couperin and the French aesthetic sensibilities reflected by their musical language (http://musichistory-essays.blogspot.com/2007/11/franois-couperin-and-french-aesthetic.html)

(http://bp0.blogger.com/_Zqa7Yz8qnII/R08mHCQrguI/AAAAAAAAAF4/zCR2eMhvHV8/s400/couperin.jpg)
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: Moonfish on March 04, 2015, 11:55:11 AM
Quote from: SonicMan46 on October 02, 2008, 06:03:04 PM
I'm in the same mode - have the Hewitt discs (all 3; great price from the BMG Music Club) - quite enjoyable, but you must take a listen to this music on the piano vs. the harpsichord, and then decide 'for yourself' which instrument is your preference?  I own several harpsichord versions myself and have not been able to make up my mind - on this forum, you're have opinions that may be strongly favoring one or the other keyboard instrument, but again, it will come down to the end - what you enjoy, so just try to hear a number of performances on different instruments & by various performers - I'm still 'up in the air' about my own choice(s) -  :D

Why not listen to both?  :P    I think that both are rich and rewarding listening experiences, although the harpsichord world requires a bit more attuning as far as I am concerned (but I am getting there..).  I don't think I will ever give up Meyer's or Hewitt's performances of Couperin!
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: Moonfish on March 04, 2015, 12:11:03 PM
Quote from: Que on April 23, 2011, 06:22:59 PM
I have and like  Christophe Rousset (HM) and Noëlle Spieth (Solstice). Olivier Baumont (Erato/Warner) should probably join them in the top three. I play Spieth the most.

Q

Que,
Do you think Spieth's recording ever will be released on cd?   :'( :'(
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: San Antone on March 04, 2015, 12:20:24 PM
Along with Baumont, who has already been mentioned, I like these ~

Davitt Moroney

Gustav Leonhardt

Andreas Staier has also done some of these very nicely.

Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: Vinbrulé on March 18, 2018, 02:13:02 AM
Quote from: Marcabru on March 04, 2015, 12:20:24 PM
Along with Baumont, who has already been mentioned, I like these ~

Davitt Moroney

Gustav Leonhardt

Andreas Staier has also done some of these very nicely.
Yesterday is arrived to me the Baumont's complete recording of harpsichord music by Fr.Couperin.  I have already done some tastings, the overall impression is good, clear and polished readings, I'd dare to say "a civilized approach" . 
I have taken for comparison with Rousset (HM) and Verlet (Apartè) the nice  Les Lys naissants (III livre) :
Verlet n°1 with her exquisite hesitations here and there - Rousset n°3 for his reading a bit mechanical, metronomic ..... Baumont in the middle  :)  Considering the lengths of the piece as well : Verlet about 3'  -- Baumont about 3'25"  --  Rousset  about 3' 50"
I will go further into this marvellous realm .... but without hurry .
( This is not abstract music , rather its complementary opposite  :) :) :) :)  )
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: Jo498 on March 18, 2018, 02:30:40 AM
Quote from: Marcabru on March 04, 2015, 12:20:24 PM
Andreas Staier has also done some of these very nicely.

I don't think Staier recorded any Francois Couperin. He did one suite of Louis's on a mixed recital disc with Froberger, Fischer, d'Anglebert.
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: Mandryka on March 18, 2018, 03:17:29 AM
Quote from: Vinbrulé on March 18, 2018, 02:13:02 AM
Yesterday is arrived to me the Baumont's complete recording of harpsichord music by Fr.Couperin.  I have already done some tastings, the overall impression is good, clear and polished readings, I'd dare to say "a civilized approach" . 
I have taken for comparison with Rousset (HM) and Verlet (Apartè) the nice  Les Lys naissants (III livre) :
Verlet n°1 with her exquisite hesitations here and there - Rousset n°3 for his reading a bit mechanical, metronomic ..... Baumont in the middle  :)  Considering the lengths of the piece as well : Verlet about 3'  -- Baumont about 3'25"  --  Rousset  about 3' 50"
I will go further into this marvellous realm .... but without hurry .
( This is not abstract music , rather its complementary opposite  :) :) :) :)  )

I think Verlet's new Lys is extraordinary -- I'm not much of an FC lover but I like very much this latest recording by Verlet. It maybe takes a lifetime's experience to learn how to uses suspensions, hesitations etc. I've never heard more exquisite rubato.
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: king ubu on January 03, 2019, 01:06:19 AM
Not sure if this is the right place, we don't seem to have a thread on recordings of F. Couperin's music and the split between "composer" and "recordings" is somewhat hard to maintain anyway):

(https://rovimusic.rovicorp.com/image.jpg?c=SA0t6RQgkA09LEkjKmKu4ypQg_7iAU1wjqLgK_xGXts=&f=6)

I'm about halfway through the new set by Carole Cerasi, consisting of all four books of harpsichord music by François Couperin, including the Préludes from "L'Art de toucher le clavecin", and I totally like what I hear. Compared to say, the great Couperin discs by Pierre Hantaï (Mirare) or Mitzi Meyerson (Glossa), or to the new set by Bertrand Cuiller (Harmonia Mundi), it sounds almost restrained, controlled, on the very first impression also lacking a bit in sonic richness--but that is deceiving I think by now. Cerasi plays this music with a clarity that is rare, with her the fabric is so finespun, so delicate you indeed get the impression of transparency. At the same time, she is not holding back with regards to filling the pieces with character and with emotion.

There's a customer review on a.com, to which I think I can subscribe at this time (I'm still reading and trying to better understand Couperin and his pieces, and I will also run some comparative listens of select pieces at some point):
https://www.amazon.com/Couperin-Complete-Harpsichord-Carole-Cerasi/dp/B07HB9F4CY#customerReviews

There is also a show on BBC on the set (was it released much earlier in some parts of the world? or were they just really early in presenting it?) - I cannot listen to it, not being from the UK, maybe some kind soul is willing to help me out?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b0wrp7
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: Que on January 03, 2019, 01:14:12 AM
Very interesting, thanks for posting!  :)

Definitely going to do some sampling myself.

It's a great pity that significant recordings by Scott Ross, Noëlle Spieth and Christophe Rousset are presently unavailable....

Q
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: king ubu on January 03, 2019, 01:22:30 AM
Quote from: Que on January 03, 2019, 01:14:12 AM
Very interesting, thanks for posting!  :)

Definitely going to do some sampling myself.

It's a great pity that significant recordings by Scott Ross, Noëlle Spieth and Christophe Rousset are presently unavailable....

Q
I'd also be very much interested in the Naïve/Auvidis cycle by Blandine Verlet as well ...

Do you know the cycle by Laurence Boulay that is included on the new cheap Couperin set by Erato/Warner?

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71FR5t3CJwL._SL1200_.jpg)

If that cycle is worth considering, the entire box would be, I assume (I have the Christie Couperin, have other recordings of "Les Nations", the sonatas and concerts ...)
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: Que on January 03, 2019, 01:43:49 AM
Quote from: king ubu on January 03, 2019, 01:22:30 AM
I'd also be very much interested in the Naïve/Auvidis cycle by Blandine Verlet as well ...

Definitely.  :)

QuoteDo you know the cycle by Laurence Boulay that is included on the new cheap Couperin set by Erato/Warner?

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71FR5t3CJwL._SL1200_.jpg)

If that cycle is worth considering, the entire box would be, I assume (I have the Christie Couperin, have other recordings of "Les Nations", the sonatas and concerts ...)

Haven't heard it. But it's pretty old - recorded in the mid 1970's.

Q

Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: Moonfish on October 14, 2019, 10:27:30 AM
Any news on Laurence Boulay's cycle?  Or overall impressions of this Couperin compilation (mentioned above) from Erato?

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81Cn6xIlbNL._SL1500_.jpg)
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: San Antone on October 14, 2019, 10:33:51 AM
Anyone heard this?

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71WbpKuE81L._SS500_.jpg)

François Couperin: Quatrième Livre de Pièces de Clavecin
Guillermo Brachetta

Appears to have been released May 2019.

QuoteAcclaimed harpsichordist Guillermo Brachetta returns to Resonus to begin a major recording of the complete Pièces de Clavecin by the French Baroque master, François Couperin, starting with the fourth book of this monumental collection.

Often wistful and valedictory in tone, the fourth and final book of this landmark collection of keyboard music was completed at the very end of Couperin's life and in the grip of failing health. Containing many vivid musical representations of real characters, Couperin's grace and elegance in writing for this instrument is evident to the very end.

For this recording, Brachetta uses a two-manual instrument by Keith Hill (2010) after an instrument by Pascal Taskin from 1769.
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: Que on October 14, 2019, 10:32:41 PM
Quote from: San Antone on October 14, 2019, 10:33:51 AM
Anyone heard this?

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71WbpKuE81L._SS500_.jpg)

François Couperin: Quatrième Livre de Pièces de Clavecin
Guillermo Brachetta

Appears to have been released May 2019.

Unfortunately not!
The harpsichordist is new to me BTW.

q
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: Mandryka on October 14, 2019, 11:08:21 PM
Guillermo Brachetta has done a CD of theatrical bravura transcriptions, Rameau and Gaspard le Roux. Que owns it!

(http://www.resonusclassics.com/freedownload/RES10145_cover_300dpi.jpg)

There's an element of theatrical bravura to his Couperin too.
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: San Antone on October 15, 2019, 12:15:15 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on October 14, 2019, 11:08:21 PM
Guillermo Brachetta has done a CD of theatrical bravura transcriptions, Rameau and Gaspard le Roux. Que owns it!

(http://www.resonusclassics.com/freedownload/RES10145_cover_300dpi.jpg)

There's an element of theatrical bravura to his Couperin too.

Looks like, the plan is for him to record the entire collection keyboard works by Couperin.
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: Que on October 15, 2019, 12:19:55 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on October 14, 2019, 11:08:21 PM
Guillermo Brachetta has done a CD of theatrical bravura transcriptions, Rameau and Gaspard le Roux. Que owns it!

(http://www.resonusclassics.com/freedownload/RES10145_cover_300dpi.jpg)

There's an element of theatrical bravura to his Couperin too.

Indeed... :D
A recording I always associate with my countryman Menno van Delft, had no idea who his co-pilot was....

Quote from: San Antone on October 15, 2019, 12:15:15 AM
Looks like, the plan is for him to record the entire collection keyboard works by Couperin.

That would be great, as would be a reissue of Rousset.
As to the newcomers, Bertrand Cuiller (HM) seems to me the most promising though I haven't gotten any further than online sampling.

Q
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: Hans Holbein on March 31, 2021, 11:27:20 PM
Complete sets of F. Couperin harpsichord works

Gerlin, Ruggero c.1955 L'Oiseau Lyre
Gilbert, Kenneth 1971 Harmonia Mundi
Boulay, Laurence 1974-1977 Erato
Verlet, Blandine 1976-1980 Astrée
Ross, Scott 1977-1978 Stil
Spieth, Noelle 1990-2003 Solstice
Baumont, Olivier 1991-1994 Erato
Rousset, Christophe 1992-1994 Harmonia Mundi
Klosiewicz, Wladyslaw 1993-1996 Polskie Radio/Dux
Borgstede, Michael 2004-2005 Brilliant
Kroll, Mark 2015-? Centaur (in progress)
Cerasi, Carole 2016-2017 Metronome
Cuiller, Bertrand 2018-? Harmonia Mundi (in progress)

Are any complete sets or sets in progress missing from this list? I've been doing some discographical research out of curiosity. I thought I was at least aware of all the complete sets out there, but I was wrong - today was the first time I learned about the Wladyslaw Klosiewicz recordings. I had also forgotten about Gerlin, though I have seen volumes of his set in used record stores. Not sure when they were recorded - the 1955 date comes from a positive review by Harold Schonberg in the New York Times.
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: 71 dB on April 01, 2021, 12:33:31 AM
My Couperin collection

[asin]B00U2OT06Y[/asin]

[asin]B00000FY8R[/asin]

[asin]B0000014CJ[/asin]

[asin]B000AMMSNA[/asin]

[asin]B00A8QBEFG[/asin]

[asin]B01M33NIEL[/asin]

[asin]B0000017LP[/asin]
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: Mandryka on April 01, 2021, 12:34:16 AM
Quote from: Hans Holbein on March 31, 2021, 11:27:20 PM
Complete sets of F. Couperin harpsichord works

Gerlin, Ruggero c.1955 L'Oiseau Lyre
Gilbert, Kenneth 1971 Harmonia Mundi
Boulay, Laurence 1974-1977 Erato
Verlet, Blandine 1976-1980 Astrée
Ross, Scott 1977-1978 Stil
Spieth, Noelle 1990-2003 Solstice
Baumont, Olivier 1991-1994 Erato
Rousset, Christophe 1992-1994 Harmonia Mundi
Klosiewicz, Wladyslaw 1993-1996 Polskie Radio/Dux
Borgstede, Michael 2004-2005 Brilliant
Kroll, Mark 2015-? Centaur (in progress)
Cerasi, Carole 2016-2017 Metronome
Cuiller, Bertrand 2018-? Harmonia Mundi (in progress)

Are any complete sets or sets in progress missing from this list? I've been doing some discographical research out of curiosity. I thought I was at least aware of all the complete sets out there, but I was wrong - today was the first time I learned about the Wladyslaw Klosiewicz recordings. I had also forgotten about Gerlin, though I have seen volumes of his set in used record stores. Not sure when they were recorded - the 1955 date comes from a positive review by Harold Schonberg in the New York Times.

Davitt Moroney on Plectra was planned to be complete when it started, I'm not sure how it's going.
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: Hans Holbein on April 01, 2021, 10:51:02 AM
Thank you. I forgot about Moroney. He completed his cycle in 2018 - four sets of three CDs each.

Mark Kroll's cycle may be as complete as it will get. He hasn't done "L'art de toucher le clavecin" but all of books 1-4 have been released. And his CD covers say "Complete Pièces de Clavecin", not complete harpsichord works.

A revised list:

Gerlin, Ruggero c.1955 L'Oiseau Lyre
Gilbert, Kenneth 1971 Harmonia Mundi
Boulay, Laurence 1974-1977 Erato
Verlet, Blandine 1976-1980 Astrée
Ross, Scott 1977-1978 Stil
Spieth, Noelle 1990-2003 Solstice
Baumont, Olivier 1991-1994 Erato
Rousset, Christophe 1992-1994 Harmonia Mundi
Klosiewicz, Wladyslaw 1993-1996 Polskie Radio/Dux
Borgstede, Michael 2004-2005 Brilliant
Moroney, Davitt 2012-2018 Plectra
Kroll, Mark 2015-2021? Centaur (in progress? Only "L'art de toucher le clavecin" is missing)
Cerasi, Carole 2016-2017 Metronome
Cuiller, Bertrand 2018-? Harmonia Mundi (in progress)
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: aligreto on June 02, 2021, 12:31:16 PM
Couperin, F: Intégrale Des Livres De Pièces De Clavecin 1-4 • Ordres 1-27 [Baumont]


(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91UlLq5KErL._SL1500_.jpg)


L'Art de toucher le clavecin & Sicilienne

I am starting out of sequence as far as the order of the set is concerned but it is the shortest work in the set and a good way to ease my way into things here. Very pleasant and agreeable listening thus far.
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: SonicMan46 on June 02, 2021, 01:19:55 PM
Quote from: aligreto on June 02, 2021, 12:31:16 PM
Couperin, F: Intégrale Des Livres De Pièces De Clavecin 1-4 • Ordres 1-27 [Baumont]


(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91UlLq5KErL._SL1500_.jpg)  (https://earlymusicreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/CD-cover-10-CD-box-set-Couperin-complete-harpsichord-music-Carole-Cerasi.jpg)

L'Art de toucher le clavecin & Sicilienne

I am starting out of sequence as far as the order of the set is concerned but it is the shortest work in the set and a good way to ease my way into things here. Very pleasant and agreeable listening thus far.

Hi Fergus - earlier in this thread, I was trying to decide on a 'harpsichord' version of these works - believe that I had purchased the Michael Borgstede Brilliant box at a great price, as usual, but was not that pleased w/ the performances, so then decided on the Carole Cerasi recordings inserted above, which I did enjoy - reviews have been excellent for her performances (several attached); SO, plenty out there to consider - have not heard the Baumont takes yet, but available on Spotify.  Dave :)
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: aligreto on June 03, 2021, 01:35:19 AM
Quote from: SonicMan46 on June 02, 2021, 01:19:55 PM
Hi Fergus - earlier in this thread, I was trying to decide on a 'harpsichord' version of these works - believe that I had purchased the Michael Borgstede Brilliant box at a great price, as usual, but was not that pleased w/ the performances, so then decided on the Carole Cerasi recordings inserted above, which I did enjoy - reviews have been excellent for her performances (several attached); SO, plenty out there to consider - have not heard the Baumont takes yet, but available on Spotify.  Dave :)

Cheers, Dave. I am not overly familiar with this music hence the need to delve into it once again.  :)
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: aligreto on June 03, 2021, 10:50:54 AM
Couperin, F: Intégrale Des Livres De Pièces De Clavecin 1-4 • Ordres 1-27 [Baumont]


(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91UlLq5KErL._SL1500_.jpg)


Premier livre de pièces de clavecin

OK, this was a lot of harpsichord music to be played consecutively but it was done over a protracted period of time.

This is a strong presentation of these works in a very good recording. I like the lively and engaging playing. I also like the robust sound of the instrument. It is well caught in a not too reverberant acoustic resulting in clean musical lines.
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: aligreto on August 18, 2021, 04:35:38 AM
Couperin, F: Deuxième Livre de Pieces de Clavecin [Rousset]

I have recently finished listening to this set.


(https://img.discogs.com/g9SgV5xqyyR9wdnHjS0seZzBEUY=/fit-in/484x480/filters:strip_icc():format(webp):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-7804479-1449131131-9684.jpeg.jpg)



I very much liked the music and playing on Rousset's presentation of Couperin's Premier Livre de Pieces de Clavecin....


(https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0000/966/MI0000966832.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)


....but this set [Deuxième Livre] comprises simply wonderful music and music making on a different level. Both the music and the performances are emotionally intense and are always engaging, compelling and inventive. There is great musical scope and variety in this set. The playing and presentations are superlative from a supreme soloist [one of my favourite harpsichordists]. The instrument used always sounds robust and well rounded and is always recorded very well. I have really engaged with this recording; musically and artistically it is excellent.
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: aligreto on September 06, 2021, 06:28:21 AM
Couperin, F: Troisième Livre de Pieces de Clavecin [Rousset]


(https://fr.shopping.rakuten.com/photo/1054688652.jpg)


In the Troisième Livre one can hear the music becoming even more mature in these later suites. The music can often be contemplative but it is always very engaging. The counterpoint is also becoming more involved. I like the music and musical language of the Concerts Royaux. I also like the sound of the instrument used and it is recorded very well in a benign acoustic.

The Concerts Royaux have the feeling of smaller scale pieces and are more intimate than the more grand Suites. They can be busy in the quicker tempo movements and there is also levity to be had in these works. Once again, I like the sound of the instrument and the benign acoustic in which it is recorded.
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: aligreto on September 18, 2021, 05:09:34 AM
Couperin, F: Quatrième Livre de Pieces de Clavecin [Rousset]


(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61Mkf7qSfSL._SL1024_.jpg)



This is wonderful, absorbing and very engaging music which I find to be irresistible and which makes for rewarding listening. Not only do I find the music to be engaging but I also find it to be exciting and entertaining. Prolonged listening sessions are, therefore, very pleasurable and never aurally fatiguing affairs. The musical content, the exquisite playing and the wonderful recording all contribute to this. This is a wonderful finish to a terrific set.
Title: Re: François Couperin "Le Grand"
Post by: SonicMan46 on August 11, 2022, 07:39:43 AM
Concerts Royaux (the first or 1722 edition) - any fans and/or recommendations?

I enjoy these 'intimate' French chamber suites (described below w/ first pic showing the suite numbers and 'dances') - I've owned the Jed Wentz box for a while and disc 3 contains these works performed on period instruments; several days ago, I received the Rousset recording w/ his group Les Talens Lyriques (5 instrumentalists w/ an oboe added - booklet unclear as to the nature of the instruments used?).

For me, some of the intriguing features of these works include the choice of instruments (from one or several to more), the use (or not) of 'period instruments' (restored or reproductions), and the number of subtle ways to play these pieces (e.g. regarding tempos).  SO, any favorites of the ones shown below or others that intrigue?  Thanks - Dave :)

P.S. of course, one could go on to the Concerts Nouveaux on 2 discs in the Wentz box and likely a bunch of other 2-disc offerings!

QuoteThe Concerts royaux (English: Royal Concerts) are chamber music suites by François Couperin written for the court of Louis XIV. Each consists of a prelude and a succession of dances in the order allemande, sarabande or courante, followed by others (edited - see first pic below) – but the suites are intended for listening more than dancing. Four were produced in 1714 and published in 1722. Another ten followed in 1724, now called Nouveaux concerts. Neither of the two sets has fixed instrumentation: each suite can be played by solo harpsichord or an ensemble with a bass and three melody instruments, such as a violin, a viol, and an oboe or flute. (Source (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concerts_royaux_(Couperin)))

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-dMDgbMs/0/ad98daa1/O/Couperin_CRoyaux.jpg)  (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71PCE4BXa7L._SL1200_.jpg)  (http://[img]https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/2167JE8T31L.jpg)  (https://angartwork.akamaized.net/webp/?id=1002403464&size=296)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71zRVDOaLqL._SL1200_.jpg)  (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41YQCXQ47FL.jpg)  (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41khEnJO1cL.jpg)

(https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/12/10/0074362501012_600.jpg)  (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Q01D33WYL.jpg)  (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81FBATMh0rL._SL1404_.jpg)