He performs one of François Couperin’s books of short pieces for solo harpsichord, in which the composer takes evocative musical snapshots of the world around him, from a growing child to an elegant monastery and the simple joys of life. Rousset will play on the one of the fi nest harpsichords in the world, the Goermans/Taskin harpsichord, generously loaned by the Russell Collection at the University of Edinburgh. Built in Paris in 1764, the instrument is famous for its rich and sophisticated sound, and is ideally suited to the music of Couperin.

Rousset is joined by his celebrated period-instrument ensemble Les Talens Lyriques for two storytelling chamber works by Couperin. In L’Apothéose de Corelli and L’Apothéose de Lully, Couperin describes both infl uential composers’ ascents to heavenly Mount Parnassus in affectionate tributes to French and Italian musical styles.

‘Les Talens Lyriques are among the most stylish of Baroque ensembles, while Rousset himself is an exquisite performer.’
The Guardian - 5 stars

The Herald- 4 stars

This concert will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.