François Couperin, known as “Couperin the Great,” was a celebrated French Baroque composer and harpsichordist. His Suite No. 14, selected from the Pièces de Clavecin, showcases poetic and lively miniatures, many are inspired by birds. Couperin also authored a vital treatise on harpsichord playing, preserving the essence of French Baroque style which Ravel studied closely.

Messiaen’s La Fauvette Passerinette, reconstructed by Peter Hill in 2012, was originally composed for the Catalogue d’oiseaux. As a newly discovered bird piece, it highlights Messiaen’s fascination with bird songs and offers audiences a glimpse into his inventive sonic world.

Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin pays homage to the Baroque dance suite tradition, with each of its six movements dedicated to a fallen friend. Written in the Baroque style—with ornaments played on the beat—the suite combines elegance from French Baroque music with the vibrant sonorities of French Impressionism. Ravel later orchestrated it in 1919, adding another dimension to its interpretation. A marvellous piece to perform as a pianist, as well as a challenge from its pianistic and musical brilliance.