Flute Recital: Paris, Belle Epoque

A favourite of Louis XIV, François Couperin (1668-1733) was the harpsichord superstar of the 18th century. At the time, the harpsichord was a prestigious instrument which was at the height of its fame (although it would return to obscurity in the following century), and Couperin revolutionised the way it was played, breaking a path that would later be trod by other virtuosos of the period like Dandrieu or Rameau. The Quebecois harpsichordist Olivier Fortin tells Qobuz the story of "Couperin the Great".

What do you mean, you haven’t heard about Mason Bates (yet)? He is one of the hottest names on the North-American music scene. Born in 1977, Bates is a symphonic and lyrical composer as well as an electro DJ (under the alias DJ Masonic) – two completely opposing genres which he takes great delight in mixing. Around half of his symphonic and lyrical work consists, in one way or another, of electronic sounds. The majority of these sounds are “every day sounds”, which are prerecorded and later put into a score. On the release date of his brilliant opera The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, Qobuz interviewed this extraordinary person.

Radu Lupu was a poet, magician and pianist who pursued the indescribable. The Romanian artist’s musical approach was brought to life by his tormented and fiercely introverted personality, which was always shrouded in mystery. When sat at his piano, he would knead the keys like dough, seeking a powerful, consistent sound. Radu Lupu passed away on the 17th of April 2022, leaving behind a relatively small, yet incredibly valuable, discographic legacy.