Composer

:

François Couperin

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Publication Date

:

1713

Average_duration

:

2:11

François Couperin was a French Baroque composer and harpsichordist who lived from 1668 to 1733. He was a member of a musical family and was known for his keyboard music, particularly his harpsichord pieces. One of his most famous works is the "Gigue" from his "Pièces de clavecin, I, 5e ordre." The "Pièces de clavecin" is a collection of harpsichord pieces that Couperin composed between 1713 and 1730. The collection is divided into four books, each containing several suites of pieces. The "Gigue" is the final movement of the fifth suite in the first book. The "Gigue" is a lively dance in triple meter that was popular in the Baroque era. It is characterized by its fast tempo, syncopated rhythms, and virtuosic keyboard writing. The piece is written in binary form, with two contrasting sections that are each repeated. The first section of the "Gigue" is in the key of G major and features a lively, syncopated melody that is passed between the hands. The second section is in the key of D major and is more lyrical and expressive. It features a flowing melody in the right hand accompanied by arpeggiated chords in the left hand. The "Gigue" was first published in 1713 and was likely performed at court and in private salons. It is a prime example of Couperin's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the spirit of the Baroque era. The piece has remained popular among harpsichordists and keyboard enthusiasts and is often performed in recitals and concerts.

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