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Christophe Rousset ~ Couperin - Second Book of Harpsichord Pieces
Francois Couperin, Christophe Rousset, William Christie
Christophe Rousset ~ Couperin - Second Book of Harpsichord Pieces
Genre: Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (25) - Disc #1
  •  Track Listings (20) - Disc #2
  •  Track Listings (26) - Disc #3

In his Second Book of harpsichord pieces, Couperin moves away from the suite form based on a collection of dance movements, to a new conception consisting of a collection of miniatures with fanciful nicknames, some of whic...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Francois Couperin, Christophe Rousset, William Christie
Title: Christophe Rousset ~ Couperin - Second Book of Harpsichord Pieces
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
Release Date: 1/17/1995
Album Type: Import
Genre: Classical
Styles: Historical Periods, Baroque (c.1600-1750), Instruments, Keyboard
Number of Discs: 3
SwapaCD Credits: 3
UPC: 794881301720

Synopsis

Amazon.com
In his Second Book of harpsichord pieces, Couperin moves away from the suite form based on a collection of dance movements, to a new conception consisting of a collection of miniatures with fanciful nicknames, some of which are clear, and some of which remain a mystery to this day. Couperin loved the harpsichord--he wrote one of the definitive instructional manuals for the instrument--and this set also includes the eight Preludes that he included in his L'Art de toucher le clavecin. At the time these discs were first issued, it was clear that Christophe Rousset's survey of Couperin's complete keyboard works was setting new standards in this music. His playing is simply magnificent. --David Hurwitz
 

CD Reviews

Cavalcade of harpsichord
Jonathan J. Casey | the twin cities | 11/14/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"IF you're willing to shell out the big bucks AND have the interest in listening to 3 hours or so worth of French baroque keyboard music, then this is a good investment. I'd love to recommend this to the casual passer-by but such a recording really requires a commitment. It was completely worth it. Two of my favorite peices for harpsichord can be found here: on disc 1, track 14 and disc 3 track 18. In the first case I think you will find the music very moving, in the second you will be blown away by the sheer sound. I've heard Kenneth Gilbert's recording of the Onzieme Ordre, Cinquieme Acte, etc. and I have to say his student has surpassed him. Rousset has a much more natural sound to him, not that it comes off as easy, but the playing is much smoother without losing any bite. The other stunning quality to this collection is the variety of sounds produced by the same instrument. It is a mid-17th century French keyboard and it manages to be lush and reverberant, crisp, gentle, and aggressive from track to track. Couperin may've had no idea that some day his music would be packaged and sold like this, but it is treated how it deserves to be: with a stunning performance and excellent recording."