Bertrand Cuiller - François Couperin L'Alchimiste: Un petit théâtre du monde (2018) [CD Rip]

The title of the first volume in Bertrand Cuiller's projected series on Harmonia Mundi, François Couperin L'Alchimiste: Un petit théâtre du monde, hints at the background of these French Baroque pieces for harpsichord, which were often inspired by the colorful society surrounding the composer. Couperin's titles have always intrigued listeners with their mysterious allusions, and the teasing quality of the music often reveals a quirky sense of humor, though the titles and musical images point to a tradition that extended from Renaissance literature and the practices of the French lute school: to make a piece emblematic of some person, object, or quality by giving it a symbolic title. While there may be some connection with the arcane practices of alchemy mentioned in the title, one may be excused for thinking that the representations and transformations are more essential and interesting in a purely musical sense to listeners today. Cuiller performs to a modern audience, and his playing in these recordings is remarkably agile, sparkling, and vibrant, with a feeling for Couperin's whimsy that makes any literary or historical discussions seem speculative and beside the point. Couperin's dances and character pieces are indeed evocative of another time, though Cuiller's skillful performances demonstrate a thorough knowledge and deep affection for them that makes a special kind of artistic alchemy. This is a brilliant start for this series, and Cuiller's next volume is eagerly anticipated. -- Blair Sanderson