Search - Alan Cuckston, Francois Couperin :: Couperin, F.: Suites For Harpsichord Nos. 6, 8 & 11

Alan Cuckston (for once) is astonishing

J. Lumbroso | Paris, France | 08/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The second book of François Couperin, is the one containing Couperin's most popular compositions : The Harvesters (Les Moissoneurs) with it's fast move illustrating the farmers has they harvest their fields in the summer ; The Mysterious Barricades (Les Baricades Misterieuses) who enchant anybody listening ; The Gnat (Le Moucheron) fiercely flying away and around...Alan Cuckston is not very well known. It is obvious he can not be compared to the most famous Couperin-players, such has Blandine Verlet, Scott Ross or William Christie, but he, here, swiftly executes each and every piece in a interesting way.And if you are a harpsichordist (or for that matter even a pianist), I strongly suggest you to obtain the sheet music, because you will certainly not resist the urge to play it yourself.Cuckston is here at his best -- you certainly won't find any other acceptable CDs from him. It's a fair introduction to Couperins music though I strongly suggest getting the integral of Blandine Verlet (my favorite), Christophe Rousset, or even Scott Ross if you've got the budget."