This is one of several free adaptations St. Pierre has made from the Pièces de clavecin en concert of Rameau (Suite No.4 in the present case). The loure (originally a kind of bagpipe) is a lilting triple meter 17th-century French dance, which here Rameau has infused with brisk rising septuplets. St. Pierre has added descending septuplets. These look frightening, but actually fit well under the fingers. Duration: 4:00
On the recording provided, the performers are the composer (S), Scott Paterson (A), and Janos Ungvary (T).
This delightful trio inspired by the opening movement from the 4th concerto of Jean Philippe Rameau’s Pièces de clavecin en concert is a veritable tour de force of scale work in all three parts, so get those fingers ready. The scale runs are slurred, which is a terrific vehicle to work on clean fingers -- especially with cross fingerings and going over the break.