Couperin, << koo PRAN, >> François (1668-1733), called “Le Grand” (The Great), was a French composer during the baroque period. Much of his work was written for the harpsichord, a keyboard instrument resembling a piano, in which the strings are plucked. For this instrument, Couperin wrote 27 ordres (suites) containing more than 200 highly imaginative, picturesque, and elegant pieces. Johann Sebastian Bach studied and sometimes imitated Couperin’s style. Couperin also wrote chamber music and church music. In 1716, he published a harpsichord instruction book that is still used by students of the instrument.
Couperin was born on Nov. 10, 1668, in Paris. Many members of his family were also musicians. He became organist at the church of St. Gervais in 1688 and at the royal chapel in 1693. He often performed on the harpsichord before the royal court at Versailles, and he was music teacher to the children of King Louis XIV. Couperin died on Sept. 11, 1733.
