Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Ensemble Couperin is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of Baroque music. The ensemble was founded in 1980 by the French harpsichordist and conductor, Christophe Rousset. The ensemble takes its name from the French Baroque composer, François Couperin, whose music is a central part of the ensemble's repertoire. The founding members of Ensemble Couperin were all students of the Paris Conservatory, where they studied under the renowned harpsichordist, Kenneth Gilbert. In addition to Rousset, the founding members included violinists François Fernandez and Marc Hantaï, viola da gamba player Philippe Pierlot, and flutist Barthold Kuijken. Over the years, the ensemble has expanded to include a number of other musicians, but these five founding members have remained at the core of the ensemble. Ensemble Couperin has gained a reputation as one of the world's leading Baroque ensembles, known for its virtuosic performances and its commitment to historical authenticity. The ensemble performs on period instruments, using historically informed performance practices to recreate the sound and style of Baroque music as it would have been heard in the 17th and 18th centuries. One of the highlights of Ensemble Couperin's career was its performance at the 1982 Festival de Saintes in France. The festival is one of the most prestigious early music festivals in the world, and Ensemble Couperin's performance was widely praised for its technical brilliance and musical sensitivity. The ensemble has since performed at many other major festivals and concert halls around the world, including the Edinburgh International Festival, the Salzburg Festival, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Ensemble Couperin has also recorded extensively, with over 50 recordings to its name. The ensemble's recordings have received numerous awards and accolades, including several Diapason d'Or awards, which are among the most prestigious awards in the classical music industry. The ensemble's recording of François Couperin's Les Nations was particularly well-received, earning a Gramophone Award and a Choc de l'année award from the French magazine Classica. In addition to its performances and recordings, Ensemble Couperin has also been involved in a number of educational and outreach initiatives. The ensemble has conducted masterclasses and workshops for young musicians around the world, and has worked with schools and community organizations to promote the study and appreciation of Baroque music. Ensemble Couperin's commitment to historical authenticity and its virtuosic performances have made it one of the most respected and admired Baroque ensembles in the world. The ensemble's dedication to the music of François Couperin, as well as its exploration of other Baroque composers, has helped to bring this rich and complex music to a wider audience, and has inspired countless musicians and music lovers around the world.

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