Topic by J. Unruh

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Topic: PT9 - Ruckers II Harpsichord - Couperin: Le Réveil-Matin - binaural

Binaural mix: For optimal sound, please use headphones.

François Couperin (1668-1733) was one of the outstanding composers of his time. He lived and worked for many years in Paris and Versailles (France), where he served at the court of Louis XIV as court organist, harpsichordist and music teacher to the royal family. Couperin composed sacred vocal works, chamber music, organ works and, primarily, harpsichord works.
For the harpsichord, he composed not only suites in the established Baroque style, but also pioneering character pieces demonstrating a unique understanding of the instrument’s sound and featuring many innovations previously unknown. One of these newer compositions is Le Réveil-Matin (‘The Alarm Clock’) from the fourth Ordre of his first book of *Pièces de clavecin*. Listeners may associate this composition with waking up in the morning and the chime of a music-box alarm clock. Couperin achieves this through the repeated alternation between two distinct musical moods: the quiet passages convey the tranquillity of bed and cosy relaxation, whilst in the more animated passages the listener experiences the chiming of the music-box alarm clock and the unpleasant awakening from sweet dreams.

Ruckers II Harpsichord: Pianoteq 9
Artist: J. Unruh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iq0RETsgbM

All of our music recordings can be seen at:
https://www.youtube.com/@Praeludium.Opus1

Last edited by J. Unruh (23-06-2026 18:58)

Reply by Pianoteqenthusiast

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Re: PT9 - Ruckers II Harpsichord - Couperin: Le Réveil-Matin - binaural

J. Unruh wrote:

Binaural mix: For optimal sound, please use headphones.

François Couperin (1668-1733) was one of the outstanding composers of his time. He lived and worked for many years in Paris and Versailles (France), where he served at the court of Louis XIV as court organist, harpsichordist and music teacher to the royal family. Couperin composed sacred vocal works, chamber music, organ works and, primarily, harpsichord works.
For the harpsichord, he composed not only suites in the established Baroque style, but also pioneering character pieces demonstrating a unique understanding of the instrument’s sound and featuring many innovations previously unknown. One of these newer compositions is Le Réveil-Matin (‘The Alarm Clock’) from the fourth Ordre of his first book of *Pièces de clavecin*. Listeners may associate this composition with waking up in the morning and the chime of a music-box alarm clock. Couperin achieves this through the repeated alternation between two distinct musical moods: the quiet passages convey the tranquillity of bed and cosy relaxation, whilst in the more animated passages the listener experiences the chiming of the music-box alarm clock and the unpleasant awakening from sweet dreams.

Ruckers II Harpsichord: Pianoteq 9
Artist: J. Unruh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iq0RETsgbM

All of our music recordings can be seen at:
https://www.youtube.com/@Praeludium.Opus1


This was very fun! He uses quick tempos, repetitive rhythmic patterns, and bright, sparkling melodies so I would probably wake up right away in the morning.
Thank you Unruh for this gem. And you play it so well.
Nice to listen to Harpsichord.
Of course I’m always using headphones, Grado Labs SR 125x, prestige series. A family company, New York.

Best wishes,

Stig

Reply by budo

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Re: PT9 - Ruckers II Harpsichord - Couperin: Le Réveil-Matin - binaural

lovely performance J. Unruh!  this was such a charming piece and you did a delightful job with it. 

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