Vinicius de Moraes, Toquinho & Les Couperins II

The historical journey of Vinicius de Moraes & Toquinho bring us back to the 17th century France& to Louis XIV’s Court where the music composed by Les Couperins (The Couperin family) sounded for the first time & became a true environment & inspiration of that wonderful epoch. We should notice that our two genius, Claude & François, are only two fruitful branches of this talented musical dynasty of professional musicians & composers: in 1366 Mathurin Couperin was already famous as a great amateur of music who was a farmer & a part-time organist at St. Pierre’s Abbey. Three sons of his became professional musicians: Louis (1626-1661), François (1631-1701), Charles (1639-1679). The family kept its position for 173 years.

Charles II Couperin (1639-1679) was an organist at the Church of Saint-Gervais in Paris. He was an esteemed virtuoso & composer & the father of François Couperin le Grand.

François Couperin (1668-1733) le Grand is one of the most outstanding representatives of this musical dynasty. He was a French Baroque composer, organist & harpsichordist. His father gave him first musical lesson, after his death young François was taught by an organist Jacques-Denis Thomelin who managed to reveal the richness of Couperin’s talent rather fast. Nevertheless he was appointed at His Majesty’s Court only in 1690s. Louis XIV appreciated Couperin’s talent & style, he provided the composer with privileges & the Royal support which allowed François to compose & to publish his magnificent works: harpsichords works, Pieces de Clavecins, Concerts Royaux etc.

The influence of François Couperin le Grand on the Baroque music & the music of the future generations is enormous. His style is never out of fashion, while his compositions hide so much to be discovered!

Vive le Roy! 🙂

Maria KethuProfumo