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Couperin - Pieces de Violes

£12.69

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Label: Avie

Cat No: AV2132

Barcode: 0822252213225

Format: CD

Number of Discs: 1

Release Date: 12th November 2007

Works

Couperin, Francois

Les Gouts Reunis or Nouveaux Concerts

» no.10 in A minor

» no.12 in A major

» no.13 in G major

Pieces de Violes 1728

Artists

Markku Luolajan-Mikkola (bass viol)
Mikko Perkola (bass viol)
Aapo Hakkinen (harpsichord)

Works

Couperin, Francois

Les Gouts Reunis or Nouveaux Concerts

» no.10 in A minor

» no.12 in A major

» no.13 in G major

Pieces de Violes 1728

Artists

Markku Luolajan-Mikkola (bass viol)
Mikko Perkola (bass viol)
Aapo Hakkinen (harpsichord)

About

The music on this CD was composed for the private enjoyment of the French court.

During the early 18th century, the institution of public concerts had not yet been born and most musicians worked in close symbiosis and interaction with their noble or ecclesiastical patrons. The problematic aspects of this symbiosis have been emphasized often enough. The patrons may have been unreliable employers and stingy with their funds. Their understanding of music may have been limited and they may have been aesthetic philistines. In such circumstances a musician probably had to fight an up-hill battle against the exigencies of his situation.

There is, however, another side to the coin. Not all royal patrons were musical ignoramuses. The musician may have enjoyed a respected position at court. Certainly this was the case with Lully, who virtually became the musical dictator of France during his tenure as the musical director at Louis’ court. We also know that the economic circumstances of Couperin were very comfortable and that he became quite a wealthy man in the service of his king.

Markku Luolajan-Mikkola has earned distinction as a recital soloist and chamber musician. He is a founder member of the celebrated Phantasm viol quartet. The Finnish Broadcast Company honoured him as ”Musical act of the year 2003” which was awarded after his ”Gambaa!” recital series of French baroque music: he gave c. 50 recitals, playing numerous different programs.

Mikko Perkola studied music at the Päijät-Häme conservatory, at the Sibelius-Academy and at the Royal Conservatory in Haag and is both a singer and composer in the Finnish group Tekijä Tuntematon.

Aapo Häkkinen began his musical education as a chorister at Helsinki Cathedral. He took up the harpsichord at the age of thirteen, studying with Elina Mustonen and Olli Porthan. Häkkinen teaches at the Sibelius Academy and at international master classes. He is Artistic Director of the Helsinki Baroque Orchestra.