Gotham Early Music Scene

Juilliard Baroque, directed by the captivating violinist Monica Huggett and made up of extraordinary musicians on the faculty of Juilliard’s Historical Performance Program, play selections from François Couperin’s four suites that comprise Les Nations. The entire “La Françoise” will be offered along with movements from “L’Espagnole,” “L’Imperiale,” and “La Piémontoise.” In addition to Monica Huggett, players include Cynthia Roberts, violin; Sandra Miller, flute; Gonzalo Ruiz, oboe; Dominic Teresi, bassoon; Sarah Cunningham, viola da gamba; Kenneth Weiss, harpsichord; and Daniel Swenberg, lute.

For performers and listeners alike, the music of Couperin represents the epitome of late French baroque style. Within the context of the dance suite, he attained the most tender and passionate musical expression with a graceful elegance. Couperin cultivated the new Italian baroque style and was one of the first composers to attempt les gouts reunis—the tastes reunited—combining elements of both French and Italian music. In the suites that comprise Les Nations, Couperin uses italianate techniques most frequently in the complex opening movements, which he called Sonades. Occasionally the music hints at the national characteristics of the titles, especially in “L’Espagnole.”

“[Juilliard Baroque’s] traversal was an explosion of energy with consistently brisk tempos, sharply articulated rhythms…. A listener’s attention is drawn to fresh phrasing ideas or the sheer virtuosity.”
—The New York Times

DATE & TIME:

Sunday, February 10, 2013
4 pm

Corpus Christi Church
529 West 121st Street
between Broadway & Amsterdam Avenue
Manhattan

TICKETS:

$10-$45; $5 discount
for students/seniors
$10 student rush
tickets at the door

More info & tickets

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