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Does the graceful dance of the fourth movement of the Onzième ordre from the Deuxième livre sound like a musical representation of Zenobia, the third century warrior queen of Palmyra who led a doomed insurrection against Rome? Do the sweeping sonorities of the fifth movement of the Sixième ordre from the same book sound like a musical representation of mysterious barricades, whatever those might be? Maybe yes, maybe no? Still, you have to admit, whatever they may be depicting, these selections from François Couperin's' Pièces de clavecin as performed by harpsichordist Christophe Rousset are delectable and delightful miniatures. While there is certainly a range of musical effects embodied in these works, the overall sense is of cameos and watercolors, of glimpses and glances, moods and impressions, of shades and subtleties. Rousset is a marvelous harpsichordist with a powerful technique and a complete command of color, tone, and intonation. But, better than that, Rousset is a marvelous musician, and his performances are as expressive as they are impressive. While whatever he and the music may be expressing might be unclear, the listener nevertheless fully comprehends every nuance of it. Harmonia Mundi's 1993 sound is big and close and sometimes a little bit harsh. 

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