The four "Concerts Royaux" are usually performed by a small ensemble,

such as harpsichord, flute and viols. They were played, with the composer

at the harpsichord, in Sunday chamber music concerts at the court of

Louis XIV of France during 1714 and 1715, and printed in 1726 in an

expanded form, with Italian-style movements inserted by Couperin.

Apart from the preludes, they comprise suites of six or seven mainly dance

movements - Sarabandes, Allemandes, Gavottes, Gigues, Minuets, etc. - with

a few airs and muzettes. Despite the title "Les nations" which Couperin

gave to the published edition, the music is unmistakably French, the

pieces being short (Louis was easily bored!) tuneful and elegant.

Much of their charm relies on the skill with which the players handle

the elaborate ornamentation and quick changes of pace and style.

The Concerts are, par excellence, "music for civilized relaxation".

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