Musical Salon: The Nations

With his trio collection "Les Nations," published in 1726, François Couperin looks beyond the borders of his country. The four parts of the instrumental cycle bear quasi-programmatic titles: "La Françoise," "L’Espagnole," "L’Impériale," and "La Piémontoise" – the national states of Germany and Italy, which would only emerge a hundred years later, are still described in absolutist France. Couperin's titles thus initially refer to his engagement with various musical styles, including the Italian trio sonata, which he particularly admired. This form was also influential for Johann Sebastian Bach. In the autograph of his collection for organ, created between 1727 and 1732 likely as teaching material for his son Wilhelm Friedemann, it becomes clear that they were originally conceived as "true" trio sonatas for two melody instruments and basso continuo. Access not barrier-free Further information: Information Tickets