Description

Couperin Variations

Couperin Variations for Horn and Piano is based on a theme by Francois Couperin. Francois Couperin was born into one of the best known musical families of Europe. Couperin’s four volumes of harpsichord music was published in Paris and contain over 230 individual pieces. These are often played on solo harpsichord or performed as small chamber works. Furthermore one of the most popular of these is “La Bandoline.” Kerry Turner became fascinated with Couperin through his numerous sojourns to Paris. Consequently Mr Turner desired to compose a piece based on one of Couperin’s melodies. Moreover it would feature the highly embellished ornamentation typical of his works. The opportunity presented itself in 2014. Then the virtuoso horn soloist, Andrew Pelletier commissioned Mr. Turner to write a new piece for horn and piano. Subsequently it would be featured at the International Horn Society Symposium in London that same year.

Meanwhile “The Goldberg Variations” of J. S. Bach has always held a special place in the composer’s heart. Using this magnificent opus as his inspiration, he composed this set of seven variations and finale. Couperin Variations was composed in April and May, 2014 in New York City and Luxembourg. It lasts approximately nine and a half minutes.

– Kerry Turner

Hear Couperin Variations on YouTube!