The first volume of Couperin's Harpsichord Pieces does not contain a date of publication however it is thought to have been composed during 1716-1717 due to the address which the composer gave on his other Harpsichord compositions. Yet the compilation remains a favourite. François Couperin (1668-1733) is often nicknamed 'Couperin the Great' to distinguish him from other members of the musical family. Many of the composer's works have picturesque titles. Examples of this in his first volume of Pieces for Harpsichord include Les Papillons (The Butterflies) L'Enchanteresse (The Enchanting) and LesPlaisirs de Saint Germain en Laÿe (The Pleasures of Saint Germain en Laÿe). Couperin's moods are expressed through choices of keys adventurous harmonies and discords. With a significant amount of variation and inspiration Pieces for Harpsichord is essential to the repertoire of aspiring players of the instrument.
