The life and work of the significant French Baroque composer François Couperin (known as "Le Grand") is presented to a German-speaking audience for the first time with this book. Born half a generation before Bach and Handel, the organist and harpsichordist from a family of musicians experienced and shaped a cultural transformation. The beginning of his career was still very much influenced by the classical era of the Sun King. In contrast, his later life was marked by the gallant culture under Louis XV and the onset of the Enlightenment. Couperin was inspired by his Italian model Arcangelo Corelli and throughout his life pursued the vision of a synthesis between French and Italian styles. After establishing himself as a composer for organ and vocal music, Couperin not only brought his personal touch to French harpsichord music.