Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A French composer: "Couperin" refers specifically to François Couperin (1668-1733), a renowned French composer and organist of the Baroque period, known for his harpsichord and organ music.

Usage

• Proper noun: The word "Couperin" is used as a surname to identify the composer. It is typically used in historical, musical, and academic contexts when discussing Baroque music.

Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The music of Couperin is characterized by its elegance and ornamentation.
  • Scholars often compare the styles of Couperin and his contemporary, Johann Sebastian Bach.

Advanced Usage

• "Couperin family": Refers to the broader dynasty of French musicians, organists, and composers spanning the 17th and 18th centuries, of which François Couperin ("Couperin le Grand") was the most famous member.
  • The Couperin family held the position of organist at the church of Saint-Gervais in Paris for over two centuries.

Variants and Related Words

• Couperin le Grand: (French) An epithet meaning "Couperin the Great," used to distinguish François Couperin from other musicians in his family.
• Couperinesque: (Adjective, rare) Resembling or characteristic of the music of François Couperin.
  • The piece had a distinctly Couperinesque grace.

Synonyms

• François Couperin: The full name is a direct synonym.
• Le Grand Couperin: Another common referent.

Related Phrases

• "Pièces de clavecin": (French) Refers to Couperin's famous published collections of harpsichord pieces.
  • Couperin's "Pièces de clavecin" are masterpieces of the French Baroque repertoire.

Noun

1. French composer of music for organ and a member of a family of distinguished organists (1668-1733)