Couperin, Francois: Les Nations
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CD Details
Composer: Francois CouperinConductor: Jordi Savall
Performer: Hesperion XX
Edition: Music CD
Format: Import
CD Release Date: 1993-09-01
Music Label: Astree
Soundtracks:
Music CD 1
- Premier Ordre: La Francoise - Sonade
- Premier Ordre: La Francoise - Allemande
- Premier Ordre: La Francoise - Premiere Courante
- Premier Ordre: La Francoise - Seconde Courante
- Premier Ordre: La Francoise - Sarabande
- Premier Ordre: La Francoise - Gigue
- Premier Ordre: La Francoise - Chaconne ou Passacaille
- Premier Ordre: La Francoise - Gavotte
- Premier Ordre: La Francoise - Menuet
- Second Ordre: L'Espagnole - Sonade
- Second Ordre: L'Espagnole - Allemande
- Second Ordre: L'Espagnole - Courante
- Second Ordre: L'Espagnole - Seconde Courante
- Second Ordre: L'Espagnole - Sarabande
- Second Ordre: L'Espagnole - Gigue Louree
- Second Ordre: L'Espagnole - Gavotte
- Second Ordre: L'Espagnole - Rondeau
- Second Ordre: L'Espagnole - Bouree
- Second Ordre: L'Espagnole - Passacaille
- Troisiéme Ordre: L'Impériale. I. Sonade
- II. Allemande
- III. Courante
- IV. Seconde Courante
- V. Sarabande
- VI. Bourée
- VII. Gigue
- VIII. Rondeau
- IX. Chaconne
- X. Menuet
- Quatriéme Ordre: La Piémontoise. I. Sonade
- II. Allemande
- III. Courante
- IV. Seconde Courante
- V. Sarabande
- VI. Rondeau
- VII. Gigue
Music reviews of Couperin, Francois: Les Nations
Music Review: Do not miss this recording
Rating: 5 Stars
Couperin has a relatively small output compared to his fame, and in terms of instrumental ensemble music there is only the Concerts Royaeux/Les Gouts Reunis and La Nations. The former are mostly solo sonatas, but La Nations is comprised of four pairs of "sonades" and suites for two instrumental voices with continuo.
Ostensibly, the sonades are modelled on Italian sonatas (Couperin claims that they were the first sonatas to be written in France) but still display a strong French character beside the Italianisms. Each sonade is followed by a suite, which are very French in character. To carry these works off well the performer must have a keen sense of how to interperet Couperin's very explicit ornaments. French music requires a delicacy of touch that isn't required of German, Italian or English music.
Thankfully, the group of musicians that Jordi Savall gathered for this recording know how to get the most out of Couperin's trios. At every turn they seem to do the right thing, and to my ears this is a performance that cannot be improved upon. Every nuance and turn of phase sounds absolutely natural and essential. I am a huge admirer of French baroque music, and this is one of the most captivating recordings I have ever heard of this repetoire.
This is a diffucult recording to get a hold of now, but if you ever come across it, I implore you to purchase it. This is some of Couperin's very best music, and I can't imagine it having a better performance.
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