LES CONCERTS ROYAUX
Program created for the Konzerthaus-Vienna
François Couperin (1668 - 1733)
Antoine Torunczyk: oboe
Georges Barthel: traverso
Domitille Gilon: violin
Ronald Martin Alonso: viola da gamba
Javier Zafra: bassoon
Vincent Fluckiger: théorbo
Thomas Soltani: harpsichord
In his biographical notice on François Couperin, the french writer Titon du Tillet was the first to mention the fame achieved by the composer of Les Gouts Réunis not only in France, but also in Italy, England and Germany.The Concerts royaux were composed for the small chamber concerts of Louis XIV, produced almost every sunday, and played at this time by some of the most famous musicians.
The succes achieved by the publication of these first four Concerts royaux encouraged Couperin two years later to issue ten new concerts.
With their great melodic inventiveness, the Concert royaux offer a body of chamber music full of variety and contrast; they combine elements of French grace, restraint and intimacy with Italianate energy, brilliance and vitality. A skilled blend that functions perfectly thanks to an art allying clarity and flexibility, line and colour.