The Kuijken Ensemble - François Couperin: Les Nations (2007)

What is it that makes this 1992 recording of François Couperin's Les Nations by the Kuijken Ensemble so special? In a word, brotherhood. You see, the Kuijken Ensemble has the brothers Barthold, Sigiswald, and Wieland on transverse flute, violin, and viola da gamba and they play together with a combination of affection, aggression, appreciation, and wholehearted love that makes the ensemble like no other. Each brother a master of his instrument, and they understand Baroque music with a combination of intellect, emotion, and musicality that few other period instrument players can match. Plus, they each have their own distinct tone and personality -- Barthold is sweet and sincere, Sigiswald tough and intense, and Wieland gruff but tender -- so that no one else sounds like a Kuijken brother. With Marc Hantai on second transverse flute, François Fernandez on second violin, and Robert Kohnen on harpsichord, the Kuijken perform Couperin's four always-appealing Suites with wit, soul, and style and in an ensemble tighter and freer than any other. In Accent's clear, warm sound, this is assuredly the finest recording of Les Nations of the digital era. ~ James Leonard