These pieces were long thought to have been lost without trace, and yet, unnoticed by anyone, a copy had been gathering dust on the shelves of the Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris, with only the initials F.C. to identify.
Charles Bouvet has told the story of what induced him to take a closer look at this copy and why he was convinced (on the strength of both, internal and external evidence) that this was indeed the famous collection.
These are masterpieces, fully worthy to be mentioned in the same breath as the fourth book of pieces for harpsichord, of 1730, and some of the most beautiful moments in all Couperin's works, performed by two of the finest exponents of Baroque style: Philippe Pierlot and Pierre Hantaï.
“Philippe Pierlot and his ensemble draw out the dark drama of this music in performances that fuse lyricis, with visceral intensity.” BBC Music Magazine, August 2008 *****
Gramophone Magazine