#ThrowbackThursday - François Couperin

Francois Couperin’s Personal Life

 If you are a music fan, you may have heard of the famous French Baroque music composer Francois Couperin. He was born on Nov 10, 1668 in Paris. His early musical education came mainly from the tutelage of his father, Charles Couperin, and Jacques Thomelin. His father passed away when Couperin was only ten years old.  

It is worth noting that the 10-year-old Couperin's musical talent and abilities were already quite evident Upon his father's demise, the honorable position of organist to Saint-Gervais was offered to him. However, he postponed it until his 18th birthday. Keep in mind that only child François Couperin and his mother were adequately cared for following his father’s death. 

This was partly because of the kindness and compassion of Jacques Thomelin, who looked after young Couperin and also instructed him in music. He was finally appointed as the organist at Saint-Gervais in Paris, inheriting the position from his father in 1685. 

Known often as “Couperin le Grand,” Couperin was a brilliant and talented harpsichordist and organist. Did you know that as a composer, his works often reflect the gradual changes that occurred in French music, especially at the start of the 18th century? Couperin married Marie-Anne Ansault at the age of 21.

Life as a Composer 

You should know that Couperin was a great admirer of Corelli. Around 1692, he composed an excellent set of tour sonatas, marking the start of his life-long affection and perchance for the Italian Baroque. Couperin succeeded his teacher, Jacques Thomelin, as a notable organist to the famous Chapelle Royale and received the title of organiste du Roi. 

Initially, Couperin's reputation increased as a keyboard player. Did you know that he also became one of the tour organists to the prominent Louis XIV in 1693? This is why students taking music lessons and piano lessons at the California Conservatory of Music are inspired by his work. Couperin wrote amazing and impressive chamber music. He also wrote trio sonatas (for two violins and harpsichord) as well as the Concerts royaux.

You should know that his harpsichord music is marked by a unique and elegant style, reflecting the sophisticated and urbane quality of intellectual and courtly life as it was popularly experienced in the last few years of the rule of Louis XIV. 

Couperin often arranged his harpsichord music into various dance suites, with arcanely humorous or faintly suggestive titles. In 1696, Couperin was formally given his own coat of arms. Note that after six years, he had the distinction and honor of receiving the prestigious Order of Chevalier de Latran. In the earlier parts of the 18th century, he started composing a large and diverse number of works for the harpsichord. These appeared in the Premier Livre from the Pièces de clavecin. 

He also became the King's harpsichordist, and when the King died in 1715, his position remained secure. This is because the new court that surrounded Louis XV brought a new influx of talented and distinguished pupils. 

It is impressive to note that at the peak of his career, Couperin was one of the most sought-after organ and harpsichord teachers. However, keep in mind that Couperin’s most important and distinguished achievements are the 4 books of harpsichord works. 

He wrote them from 1713 to 1730. The pieces are impressive and demonstrate an excellent variety of techniques, displaying Couperin's success and expertise at fusing various elements of Italian and French music.

Some Notable Facts 

• In 1724, Couperin moved to a house close to the Académie Royale de Musique. This is where he stayed until his death on Sept 11, 1733.

• He gained an increasing reputation as one of the best harpsichord teachers, and his pupils included the King's children, the Count of Toulouse, the Duke of Burgundy, and the daughters of the Duke of Bourbon.

• Performing music made significant demands on Couperin’s time, and there are various accounts of him playing at Sceaux, Versailles, and Fontainebleau.

• Couperin died on Sep 11, 1733, and was recognized as the leading and most proficient composer in France.