François Couperin: Apothéoses

Immerse yourself in the rich, intricate world of François Couperin with his 2012 release, "Apothéoses." This exquisite collection of chamber music pays homage to two titans of the Baroque era, Arcangelo Corelli and Jean-Baptiste Lully, through a series of evocative compositions that blend reverence and innovation.

The album opens with "L'Apothéose de Corelli," a seven-movement suite that vividly depicts Corelli's ascent to Mount Parnassus, his reception by the Muses, and his eventual placement among the great musical luminaries. Each movement is a masterclass in Baroque expression, from the reverent "Corelli au piéd du Parnasse prie les Muses de le Recevoir parmi elles" to the jubilant "Enthouziasme de Corelli."

Following this is the "Tombeau de Monsieur de Lully," a poignant tribute to Lully, featuring a mix of grave and gay movements that reflect the duality of human emotion. The album then culminates in the expansive "L'Apothéose de Lully," a fourteen-movement suite that chronicles Lully's journey to the Elysian Fields, his reception by Apollo, and the ultimate fusion of French and Italian musical styles.

The album concludes with "La paix du Parnasse," a four-movement suite that celebrates the harmony and peace achieved through the union of these musical traditions. Throughout, Couperin's compositions are marked by their technical brilliance, emotional depth, and a keen sense of narrative, making "Apothéoses" a captivating journey through the Baroque era's most celebrated musical minds.