Couperin: Les Barricades Mystérieuses, Hanneke van Proosdij, harpsichord (Baricades Mistérieuses)

François Couperin's rondeau in Style Brisé for Harpsichord, performed by Hanneke van Proosdij. Double manual French harpsichord by Johannes Klinkhamer, after the Ruckers-Goujon in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Pitch: A=392 Hz.
Lid painting by Millicent Tomkins ♥
Buy the Album on Amazon amazon.com/gp/product/B003K4PPMQ or iTunes! itunes.apple.com/us/album/les...
The mystery of Couperin's barricades
Over the years, a myriad theories have been proposed to explicate the enigmatic title of Couperin's justly famous rondeau, Les baricades mistérieuses (Ordre 6ème). Although we may never know Couperin's intent, it is intriguing to consider the primary meaning of the terms as they were understood in the baroque. The word baricades (or barricades), comes from the late renaissance "barriques" and also "barricado." The barriques were casks, such as were used for wine and beer, and these ubiquitous road ornaments were filled with rubble as the standard way to block a road, mysteriously in the night, as part of a popular revolt in Paris.
The custom of road-blocking with wine barrels began in 1588 (la journée des barricades) and continued well past the French Revolution. In 1670, an Englishman famously and tellingly remarked on this custom, "All the world has heard of the Barricades of Paris." Anyone mentioning this term in France in the renaissance or baroque would immediately evoke this image; it was part of daily life, and the "baricades" were visible everywhere, just like a traffic jam.
However, the standard definition does not somehow fit with the graceful sway of the music, so perhaps the true meaning of the title will always be a mystery.
Couperin's beautifully engraved print uses the spelling "baricades," so that is the spelling we use here.

[@robertboutin777]

I can't believe how beautiful this harpsichord sounds, especially in the lower notes. Sublime.

[@jimbo2629]

I love harpsichords tuned lower than modern pitch and this one has truly wonderful tone. Beautifully played

[@Iceologer]

its a Blanchet!

[@louisrelf5903]

Yeah, it sounds a lot more rounded then some other instruments.

[@VoicesofMusic]

Not a Blanchet, but those are lovely.

[@sarcastaball]

What? You think it's fake??

[@eliseereclus3475]

At last an harpsichord interpretation that does not sound like a big jumble of notes, but which plays them all very well and distinctly. And soulfully.

[@VoicesofMusic]

:)

[@ianboard544]

Is it just me, or is that one of the best sounding harpsichords ever? Very nice performance - a nice gentle speed that makes it sing.

[@TERRYBIGGENDEN]

I agree. it's gorgeous! :-)

[@8888Rik]

No, not just you.

[@mariakordas-fraser5674]

This song makes me believe in reincarnation because it stirs up feelings that I have not encountered in this life-time. I feel I lived in the 17th century when I hear this. It feels so familiar from a time past. Thank you Francois Couperin.

[@vihuelamig]

Now that's what I call the Goldilocks tempo. Not too fast, nor too slow. Very nice indeed.

[@micebones7544]

A teacher of mine played this in recital back in the 1960s. This is so very beautifully done..I could never tire of it. Thank you Ms van Proosdij.

[@VoicesofMusic]

You're very welcome!

[@sindreb.9085]

This is close to the perfect rendition of this lovely piece! The timing, the frasing, the execution of the ornaments ... all breathtaking. The low pitch and the deep, resonant and mellow sound of this harpsichord suits it so well.

[@laubedunfou2848]

Yeah, it's really close to perfection. Such a vomplex poece

[@marchenrir.8463]

Outstanding artist. Her moderate tempo is the one I préféré. But WHO built this wonderful instrument ???

[@homhomtube]

Endlich eine Künstlerin, die verstanden hat, daß eine musikalische Textur Luft zum Atmen benötigt und gerade DIESES Stück keinen Tempowettbewerb verträgt: herzwärmend, zum wiederholenden Genießen einladend: musikalisches Glück pur, DANKE fürs Teilen.

[@VoicesofMusic]

Bitte.

[@tanyaspiller]

This harpsichord has an amazing rich sound, and I love the lid painting. beautiful playing. lovely to hear this music

[@jancina6910]

ok

[@jancina6910]

supr

[@jimbo2629]

French harpsichords we’re wonderful. The sound is enhanced by the low pitch.

[@mikestewart6517]

What a sweet sound this harpsichord has and well handled by Hanneke van Proosdji. Thanks Ms van Proosdji for giving a fresh sound to Les Barricdes.

[@katem9474]

That's the most beautiful version of Les Barricades Mystérieuses. Perfect tempo and resonance.

[@VoicesofMusic]

Thank you very much!

[@Muzicutevechi]

Yes indeed! I think exactly the same. But, of course, it can be a subjective feeling, as it's normally in music.

[@Muzicutevechi]

It was an answer to Kate.

[@CamiKite]

Beautiful, perfect tempo, great recording, and what a magnificent harpsichord! When I saw the spelling of the title, I first thought: That's OK, they are not french. But in fact, I was wrong, and it's so respectful to write the original spelling! Much love from France!

[@VoicesofMusic]

Merci!

[@amacater]

Love this piece - on this harpsichord with this sonority and this pace, it's even better. Hartelijk bedankt, Hanneke

[@KevOSMusic]

Beautiful. Harpsichord can be so underrated. You make it come alive.

[@bertcarter6176]

Your instrument makes this piece sound so vibrant. It has been a favorite since my childhood days many decades ago. How wonderful to find such a beautiful performance here. Thanks for posting.

[@rodgermillington1198]

Ok

[@humanbean7258]

Thank you, I was able to use this to show my teacher what an actual harpsichord sounds like.

[@Jaegertiger]

SUCH MUSICIANSHIP.... QUE MAGNIFIQUE !!!! Hanneke KNOWS exactly HOW to perform this composition. Bringing all of the emotion and SOUL that is necessary to PLUMB the depths of all the "moving parts." I remember when I first heard a recording of this in about 1968, when I bought a compilation of harpsichord music.... and this EXACT piece was integrated into the albums (being a 4 record set). I used to listen to it... over and over again... SO many times. To me, when I listen to it. It is like being in the presence of GOD ALMIGHTY.... so majestic, yet dripping with so MUCH emotion and tender love !

[@jaegertiger384]

Just LOVE the Bass line from 1:17 - 1:28 and again from 1:45 - 2:13... with the ABSOLUTE best from 2:13 - 2:30.... that resounding DEEP foundation that supports the entire composition.

[@eulero75]

that's called progression, a typical pattern in baroque music :)

[@songsofgrace1681]

2:13 - 2:30 has always been my favourite part too!

[@evanofelipe]

Beautifully played, thank you Henneke , it was flowing, measured and tempo that allowed the listener to flavour the harmonics, made more so by the beautiful register of your harpsichord. It was a treat to hear your rendition of ‘Les Barricades Mistérieuses’, such that Couperin’s mysteries were therein revealed. That too often is played vigorously at break neck speed.

[@VoicesofMusic]

Thanks so much!

[@peteacher52]

Superb, Hanneke! I first heard this played by Aimee van der Wiele, when I bought her Nonesuch LP in 1966. Her style was rubato-driven and her instrument must have been a Pleyel or similar because of the constant registration changes she employed. I liked it at the time, but your interpretation and that of Kenneth Gilbert suits my taste and fancy much better.

[@infledermaus]

I just love this piece. It's so soft and soothing, but in my humble opinion it needs to be about an hour or two longer. :-) Superb performance as always!

[@user-vp4dv5hg9o]

Very gentle and full of hidden emotions performance! Many thanks! I think we've just heard sounds of those gorgeous times.

[@VoicesofMusic]

Many thanks!

[@pipergj33]

How have I missed this recording of one of my favorite pieces until now! This is just exquisite. It's so lovely to hear the resonance of the harpsichord not being played too fast. Just scrumptious. Merci du fond du coeur!

[@ElaineComparone]

Beautiful performance------a tempo that suits the piece's lyricism, unlike what one usually hears.

[@crazyorganist1609]

I agree

[@peteacher52]

I very much like your Scarlatti, Elaine, the lady who stands up playing the harpsichord!

[@JC-yb3zb]

How is lyricism defined for a particular piece?

[@briancornish2076]

Yes indeed it's all about grace

[@robertopetracco32]

Ho sentito questo brano per la prima volta pochi minuti fa alla radio…tocca il cuore: è musica per gli angeli!

[@emilynightingale7758]

wow, i've never heard such a full and lucious sound from a harpsichord

[@uralkale]

Wonderful execution! Perfect tempo. This piece is hundreds of years ahead of its time, it's hard to believe this was made in the baroque period

[@athanasiusjames1]

Ideal tempo, rich and wonderful sound. The depth! The resonance!

[@kimbatteau1]

Wonderful! Love this of all the most of all the harpsichord versions I've heard! Magnifique!

[@cuscotopiageografia2890]

La peinture du clavecin est belle et l'interprétation fabuleuse

[@Muzicutevechi]

This is my favorite rendition of this masterpiece!

[@bobm.446]

This music sounds very modern!

[@VoicesofMusic]

It does--maybe even some Django swing

[@peopleshi7378]

It is actually baroque surprisingly, one of the things that gives it away is the trills and the harmony and the fact that it’s meant for harpsichord

[@jwoodman]

Great playing, and the harpsichord sounds absolutely wonderful.

[@trapezoidspangle934]

Much has been made of the title of this piece. I had a breakdown crisis in my late 20’s. During the height or depths of which I had an epic vivid dream which contained rooms full of beautiful old harpsichords. I wanted to play them but was prevented by people who made me feel that I wasn’t “ good” enough to play them. Not my level of musical skill but more about my class. They seemed like they were “above” me. I so desperately wanted to play but they just wouldn’t let me. I awoke completely crestfallen. That dream stayed with me and really affected my psyche. Probably still does. I’m now 51. My musical barricade. Or just my mental barricade?

[@AnHebrewChild]

wow. Your comment really spoke to me. I hope you are well.

[@barbaratrevino535]

Beautiful performance.

[@VoicesofMusic]

Many thanks!

[@8888Rik]

I like to think that those pauses are actually the "barricades". They temporarily delay the forward of the music, but delay it and tgus give it more meaning when the momentum begins again.

[@ulrichmetzner3919]

wunderbarer Cembaloklang - feinfühlig interpretiert. Chapeau !

[@VoicesofMusic]

Danke vielmals.

[@CStack2Ci]

All I can say is "Wow!" Beautifully done, thanks for posting!

[@VoicesofMusic]

Thank you very much!

[@peterbalchin9077]

Now this I think is the right speed for this piece. Lively but with reflection.

[@VoicesofMusic]

Agree!

[@peterbalchin9077]

@VoicesofMusic Some on KZbin seem to play this piece perhaps 20 per cent quicker than here. What speed on the metronome are you playing?

[@ron88303]

Beautiful, rich sound. And love the tempo; it gives you time to enjoy each note before the next one comes. Bravo!

[@VoicesofMusic]

Many thanks!

[@xClaraDelRey]

it sounds so lovely with the beautiful melody combined with the hazy reverb

[@WilliamBrownGuitar]

The tempo is just right for my taste. The temptation seems to be to go too fast.

[@LucienMarine]

Les Barricades mystérieuses (or Les Baricades mistérieuses in its original spelling) is the title of a harpsichord piece composed in 1717, the fifth of the 6th Order in the key of B-flat major, from his second book of harpsichord pieces. It is characteristic of the broken style of French baroque keyboard music. The work is in the shape of a rondeau, a variation of the traditional romanesca in four beats in the bass rather than in the more usual ternary rhythm. It has a chorus and three verses, of unequal length. The four parts create a changing tapestry of melody and harmony. The overlapping melodies and different rhythmic arrangements create a seductive shimmering and kaleidoscopic effect, evoking an anticipation of images of fractal mathematics. The score is marked « vividly ». The piece therefore combines a certain liveliness with a melancholy and mysterious character. This piece performed by Hanneke van Proosdij is of great voluptuousness and beauty. Merci Hanneke ! *Lucien*

[@ducdeblangis3006]

Point de vue d'une musicologue, sans doute, très intéressant. Le rythme brisé évoque aussi la fugue du chat de Scarlatti

[@LucienMarine]

@@ducdeblangis3006 It is undeniable that Bach and Scarlatti in particular knew the Manuel work of Couperin. « La Fugue du chat » est une merveille d’écriture contrapuntique. La pièce est structurée comme une Fugue, une forme qui implique l’interaction complexe de plusieurs voix. Le sujet de la fugue est introduit dans la tonalité de sol mineur et se caractérise par ses sauts distinctifs et son chromatisme, qui ajoutent à la qualité énigmatique de la pièce. À noter que la dénomination « Fugue du chat » n'a jamais été utilisée par Scarlatti lui-même : l'appellation apparaît au début du 19ème siècle. Une image collectée et publiée par l'auteure et journaliste américaine Esther Singleton (1865-1930) nous montre Scarlatti en train de jouer du clavecin. *Lucien* On peut lire en vieux français : De ces grands Maîtres d'Italie Le Concert serait fort joli, Si le Chat que l'on voit icy N'y vouloit Chanter sa partie. De ces deux coeurs que ta chaîne lie C'est ainsy, petit Dieu d'Amour, Que quelque Animal chaque jour Vient troubler la douce harmonie. *Domenico Scarlatti*

[@tcharles2466]

Truly beautifiul and masterful - I fully agree with other commentors!

[@McIntyreBible]

I would love to have a harpsichord like that in my living room. How grand!!

[@VoicesofMusic]

It is grand!

[@janepoynton4919]

I've said it once and I'll say it again - I love it! I'll add this time because I forgot to say it last time - the harpsichord is beautiful with a glorious tone. Oh and by the way I just love it - thank you - again!

[@Jacob-gi5rk]

Love this piece - I want a harpsichord!!!!!!

[@user-vq5sf7yz7n]

In addition to Sylviane Deferne's piano interpretation, this is the "original" harpsichord version I always return to. Wonderful, the best tempo. I play AT keyboard (a hobby, I suppose), but wish I could really play this piece. Listening to your version is the next best thing.

[@gerardoconnell6539]

A very deep resonant instrument and very lovely performance

[@guylebras9880]

Wonderful! Thank you for the moderate tempo and the sound of this cembalo is magnificent!

[@8888Rik]

This really is an extraordinary performance of this piece. Delicate, but forceful when required. I've listened to this countless times.

[@cristipotas]

Este tempo me gusta...gracias fantástico clave y deliciosa interpretacion

[@maxwellgarrison6790]

Une mélodie simple, mais elle capte l'essence de la vie paissante.

[@avpet]

Peut-être que c'était censé être "naissante"?

[@Varlenus]

My favourite interpretation. I love that she doesn't over-exaggerate articulation like most performers.

[@informatica-corsoa240]

Thank you for letting this beautiful melody breathe. :)

[@VoicesofMusic]

:)

[@user-bl5yi4uw6j]

Beautiful tone. Nice playing, too, of course.

[@bsmithpercussion]

One of my favorite Couperin pieces. So lovely to hear it played at a breathable tempo.

[@VoicesofMusic]

Thank you.

[@paulcavendish9989]

A superb performance on a superb instrument. Bravo!

[@samuelfabian9737]

I love and admire "The Mysterious Barricades", mainly for two reasons: - It's not a virtuoso piece of music, so there is no need for the interpreter to "show off". - Formally spoken, the music is quite simple, it consists of a repeated rondeau combined with three different couplets. On the other hand, it is really mysterious, and has a timeless beauty.

[@Charlie-fx9dp]

Œuvre intemporelle, baroque et moderne à la fois... Belle version.

[@pollywanda]

Best performance of this piece on KZbin!

[@TRUTHorSTFU]

BRILLIANTLY PLAYED! BRAVA!

[@marcosPRATA918]

Mysteries of sounds, mysteries of "lutherie", what wonderful records!

[@geezeressa]

My favorite version. Harpsichord lid by Millicent Tomkins!

[@KaterinaNikoloudi]

Thank you for this amazing playing! I adore the piece and the sound of the hapsicord❤️

[@8888Rik]

This is indescribably beautiful. Without Hanneke's pauses, allowing the music to "breath", it wouldn't be the same piece. I would like to think that these are those barricades:it'snot a

[@AlpamayoJoe]

Sublime! grazie Hanneke

[@YaksTracks]

Exceptionally well played Bravo.

[@Charlie-fx9dp]

Très beau, vraiment... De France.

[@VoicesofMusic]

Merci!

[@shawardara]

Beautiful playing. What a fabulous instrument. A metal angel.

[@nickj.patterson4629]

Wonderful performance, and beautiful instrument! Thank you!

[@attilakocsis5566]

Beautiful!🎼🎼🎼

[@tucanita]

precioso! el tempo justo, el sonido perfecto, muchas gracias!

[@Sshooter444]

I put on an orange shirt after viewing, brava!

[@c.g.marseille4510]

;-)

[@mikepen3477]

Clear, natural recording quality

[@khaledsaadan5570]

This is so beautiful to hear, it sounds close to Canon-Pachelbel. Thank you

[@Mjollnir50]

Thank you! It's impeccable.

[@brendavananna9117]

Perfect at every level. Thank you.

[@VoicesofMusic]

You are very welcome.

[@jetaekseong1439]

Brava!!

[@srothbardt]

Excellent performance and sound. I like the instrument, too.

[@chaldnipatterns]

Nice performance, and, good recording - thanks!

[@nicolekeijzer1920]

Prachtig mooi🌷

[@danielcocchetti6523]

The best baroque piece (and the best interpretation)

[@gregorydessingue5625]

I love this tempo! Great recording.

[@VoicesofMusic]

Many thanks!

[@miguelullaberdullas]

En mi opinión la mejor interpretación de esta preciosa pieza

[@Exegiification]

Magnificent !!

[@ishan6241]

This is very nicely played indeed. Lovely steady tempo. And what a nice harpsichord - low notes so melodious!

[@whartonpd]

Beautiful! The pacing and voicing is exquisite. Thank you.

[@VoicesofMusic]

Thank you.

[@anthonyyates2309]

This is just extraordinary. Can you imagine hearing this in a time before anaesthetics, before steel?

[@nelsonwalker7105]

Such beautiful music!

[@andreszentay7446]

Thats is a magnificent perfomance, and an stunning instrument

[@CarlosRCTapiaAlvarado]

Hermosa partitura, excelente ejecución e inmejorable explicación. Gracias.

[@zekesdad5518]

Simply magical.

[@luzdiamantina7334]

Me imagino mis manos tocando su música con esa calma esa serenidad esa paz Me las imagino como si fueran un cuerpo de luz cristal

[@IFioriMusicali]

love Couperin and love your splendid playing!

[@VoicesofMusic]

Grazie mille, Maria Giovanna!

[@javadkhakbaz8016]

Wonderful playing of this pure music. Thank you, from San Jose, California

[@VoicesofMusic]

Thanks for listening

[@franciscouderq1100]

Very well played, I love it it, thanks

[@konradscorciapino1849]

Excellent!

[@c.g.marseille4510]

dit klinkt heel bijzonder, prachtig ! ! ook bedankt voor de interessante tekst

[@rosannagiacomella277]

Dolcissima interpretazione, suono magnifico 🤗

[@VoicesofMusic]

Grazie.