The Mysterious Barricades
Composed for harpsichord by François Couperin (1717)
Arranged for a cappella SATB or TTBB Choir (2017)
Duration: c. 4 mins
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Preview the score of the SATB version and the TTBB version
Recording of the original version for harpsichord
More Information
The Mysterious Barricades was written by François Couperin in 1717, 300 years ago, for harpsichord as the fifth piece of his Ordre 6ème de clavecin, and this arrangement was made in late July and early August of 2017. I first heard the work performed, on harpsichord, while a undergraduate at Baldwin Wallace University. I was immediately hypnotized by its kaleidoscopic and weaving melodies, harmonies, and textures, its many suspensions, as well as its almost “walking” bass line that sounds like it could be right out of a Johnny Cash song! However, I feel that performing the work on a harpsichord or piano, where each note decays in volume quickly after playing, means that some of the effect of those suspensions is missing, and I wanted to create my own version with voices that can better sustain where I can hear those suspensions fully realized. My hope is this arrangement for choir will provide people a new angle from which to enjoy this fascinating masterpiece.
SATB version premiered Nov. 11, 2023 by La Banda Bardi, Joost van der Linden-director, at The Machinist in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
The TTBB version has not yet been premiered.
Purchase Scores
Scores of this piece are available for purchase by contacting me.