Les Barricades Mystérieuses

Another Harpsichord piece by François Couperin played on a piano by Gerluz. Again this is from Couperin's "Pieces for Harpsichord," Book two, Suite 6. ...originally published in 1717, a mere 7 years before Benjamin Franklin was born.

While Couperin never disclosed the meaning implied by the title, there has been an endless range of suggestions, from the profane to the profound and even the mere practical. Most assuredly he was not referring to those barricades that so mysteriously appear along the street the night before a parade.

Did you know The Nouveau Guinea Ensemble has recorded Les Barricades Mystérieuses in a version that has been arranged for a Wind Ensemble? Well, they used the older spelling of the title. It is different and also very nice. Check it out!