Francois Couperin

 b. Paris 1668 d. Paris 1733

Most esteemed member of the Couperin family who was known as "Couperin le Grand." He was taught by his father and then became organist at Saint Gervais, Paris, in 1685.This post he had until his death.He became the "organiste du Roi" (Louis XIV) in 1693 who then made him an Ordinaire of his Court for all music "du Chambre" in 1717. He also wrote a large number of organ works--all of which demonstrate his mastery as a keyboard virtuoso. 1716= L'Art de Toucher le Clavecin 1726=Les Nations His four volumes of Harpsichord music contain over 230 individual pieces, which can be solo harpsichord or performed as small chamber works: these greatly influenced J.S. Bach and then much later Richard Strauss and Maurice Ravel, re;"Le tombeau de Couperin."

Compiled and written by Patrick Frye III, Charlotte N.C. USA