Listen
Enjoy Live and Studio Recordings
François Couperin
Pieces de Claveçin
Andrew Appel, harpsichord
from Orchid Classical Recordings
Over the next 27 months, Orchid Classical Recordings will release Andrew Appel’s performances of Couperin's complete works for harpsichord in monthly installments. Subscribe and enjoy the world of tender expression, sentiment, and beautiful sound as only Couperin le Grand created.
Available on most streaming services.
Enjoy these sample tracks, or subscribe to the series and never miss an installment.
June 2023 Troisieme Ordre
When Albert Fuller, my cherished mentor, would try an unfamiliar or new harpsichord, he always played La Tenebreuse, the allemande grave that serves as the entry into the Troisieme Ordre. It is a piece that explores the heart (or, might we say guts) of the harpsichord. Mining the rich tenor of the instrument, it travels to the upper range as well as the lowest notes. It is an ominous work that is as beautiful as it is disturbing. It is as compelling as a confession of Phedre or the façade of Vaux-le-Vicomte.
In the luminous and joyous month of June, Orchid and I give you one of Couperin’s darkest and most dramatic collection of pieces.
La Tenebreuse, La Favorite, La Lugubre, are made of the richest velvets and silks, and Les Regrets from tears. But there is wit and playfulness in L’Espagnolette (a play on words alluding to Spain as well as to a window latch that moves in a circular motion, just as the ever-present ornament turns in the piece). There is tenderness and jocularity. In the 15 pieces chosen, Couperin gives us a view into the variety of experiencing our lives in a language full of sensuality and elegance.
-Andrew Appel
Concise Dictionary of Music
Four Nations has a discography with Orchid Recordings and ASV Gaudeamus. Handel, Schobert, Vivaldi, Porpora, Geminiani, Couperin, Marchand, LeRoux and Bach are represented in recorded performances for these companies and available here. In addition, recorded performances are available in our YouTube project, Four Nations’ Concise Dictionary of Music. This program of works from every corner of our repertory also includes program notes and a visual program of art from the 18th century.
During the Lockdown
For performers, for everyone, the last year has been as difficult as it has been melancholy. Our happiness is so centered on making music for you and working together to live up to the potential of the great works on our music stands. As we plan for live performances again, please view the videotaped concerts we offered over the last year.