Couperin 'Les folies Françaises, ou Les dominos'

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  • Created by: soph198
  • Created on: 03-07-17 10:57

Background: 

Each variation represents different characters at a masked ball, the ‘domino’ of the title being the coloured cloak worn by each guest as they arrive. Variations are only 16 bars each, the complete performance lasting no more than 8 minutes. The ornamentation is an integral part of the style, lending a grace and precision to the expressive melodies and their dance-like rhythms. 

While Vivaldi’s music sets the seasons in the country, Couperin’s music is sophisticated, civilised and courtly - the music of the town and society. Different moods suggested by titles are shown in through the music in various different ways. 

Harmony and Tonality: 

  • All 12 variations are in B minor. You would expect ‘Hope’, ‘Passion’ and ‘Faithfulness’ to be in the same key but he managed to keep all movements in the same key. 
  • Vivaldi does use major and minor keys for different sentiments as we would expect, although the concerto of ‘Winter’ is kept in the overall key of F minor. 

Variation 1 ’Virginity’: 

  • Relatively simple as this couplet presents the theme in which the next variations are based upon.
  • Simplicity is shown through limited rhythms and most note values being crotchets, melody covers a limited range of notes and the bass line moves in crotchets every beat. 
  • The theme moves through a progression of chords ending

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