General Biography on Louis Couperin

In his short life, Louis Couperin (ca. 1626-61) moved within the highest musical circles in France. But given his modest background—Couperin’s father was a provincial land-owner and part-time musician—something dramatic was needed to pull him into the Parisian limelight. That event took place in 1650 when Louis, along with his two brothers and several friends, visited Jacques Chambonnières on the latter’s name day. Couperin toasted the famed Chambonnières with a short concert of works, and the king’s royal harpsichordist offered to become his teacher on the spot. Couperin wrote much dance music, though he is best remembered today for his “unmeasured” preludes. These free, vibrant preludes are written in a unique notation without measure lines; subtleties of rhythm and articulation are left to the performer’s informed discretion.

(c) Jason Stell