François Couperin

The Mysterious Barricades

Alongside Chambonnières and Rameau, François Couperin was a leading French composer and harpsichordist of his time. 'Pièces de clavecin' is his best known composition, consisting of 27 suites called 'Ordres'. 'Les Barricades mystérieuses' is a rondo with three episodes or verses between which alternates the constantly recurring refrain. Instead of a melody, one can hear powerful, continuously broken syncopated harmonies. This kind of setting is reminiscent of the style of French lute music with a majestic character, yet without being ponderous. This relatively easy piece features only a few simple ornaments and is therefore particularly suitable for interpretations on the modern piano.