Louis Couperin (1626–1661) was a key figure in the development of the French harpsichord school, known for his groundbreaking "unmeasured preludes." His suites for keyboard are celebrated for their expressive power and innovative use of dissonance. For the modern pianist, his music offers a window into the world of Baroque ornamentation and elegant dance rhythms. Performing Couperin requires a sensitive touch and an understanding of the subtle agogic shifts that bring these stylized dances to life on a modern instrument.