Classical Editor: Rob Barnett
 

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Len Mullenger: Len@musicweb-international.com



Louis COUPERIN

Organ works (Fantaisies etc)
Jan Willem Jansen
Virgin Veritas VM5 61775 2 9 [56.53]
Crotchet
 

Uncle of the more famous Francois, Louis Couperin (c.1626-61) was persuaded to study music seriously by Chambonnieres and despite his early death he achieved a high reputation, although he never got round to publishing his body of some 200 keyboard works. They were retrieved and authenticated by Guy Oldham and further research may possibly confirm Louis Couperin as one of the greatest organ composers of the period. His fugues and fantasies are inventive, 'with unexpected subjects, gaily capering or quietly dreaming, harsh dissonance for expressive power, and daring suspensions'.

These 30 pieces, recorded in 1993, are continually absorbing as played here on the same historic organ of Saint-Michel at Thierarche as for the Clerambault release in the same series. It is perhaps rather a specialist's collection, but (taken a few at a time) the music should give pleasure to a wider listening public, and there are some delicious stops on this early 18.C instrument. The full specification of the organ is included.

Peter Grahame Woolf




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