François Couperin Couperin was born in Paris. He was tutored by his father Charles Couperin, who died when François was 10 years old, and by Jacques Thomelin.

 

In 1685 he became organist at the Saint-Gervais church in Paris, a position he inherited from his father and passed on to his cousin Nicolas Couperin. Other family members later assumed the same position.

 

In 1693 Couperin followed his teacher Thomelin as organist at the Chapelle Royale (Royal Chapel) with the title organiste du Roi, organist after the appointment of Louis XIV. In 1717 Couperin became court organist and composer with the title ordinaire de la musique de la chambre du Roi .

 

Couperin gave a weekly concert with his colleagues, typically on Sundays. Many of these concerts were suites for violin, viol, oboe, bassoon and harpsichord, on which he played with virtuosity.