François Couperin

Born Nov. 10, 1668, in Paris; died there Sept. 12, 1733. French composer, organist, and harpsichordist.

Couperin came from a family that produced several generations of musicians in the 17th and 18th centuries; François was known as Couperin le grand. His major contribution to music are his pieces for the harpsichord, distinguished by their melodiousness and elegance. His works represent the summit of French harpsichord art. Couperin wrote the treatise The Art of Playing the Harpsichord (1716). A complete collection of his works in 12 volumes was published in Paris (1932–33).