Les Nations Volume I: La Francois - 2OB/BSN/PN (Basso Continuo)

Les Nations Volume I: La Francoise
for two oboes (or flutes, or violins), bassoon (or cello, or string bass), and piano (basso continuo)
by François Couperin (1668-1733) - French Baroque composer, organist, and harpsichordist

Edited by Edward Higginbottom. This suite of dances appears in four volumes, andis distinctly French and conservative in style. The dances themselves are Couperin's most beautifully turned in the old style: discreet and flowing, but with a wealth of expressive detail, and at times, a force that belies their surface charm. The Chaconnes are a superb example of Couperin's treatment of the form: grandiose in design, tender in expression, rich in detail, though urgent in their drive. 
This edition comes with solo parts for the two top voices, playable by violin, oboe, or flute, a part for "basse d'archet", playable on bassoon, cello, or string bass, as well as a fully realized keyboard continuo. The basse d'archet is a florid, yet conventional basso part, doubled in the left hand of the keyboard part.