INTERMEDIATE/ ADVANCED
French Baroque composer Louis-Claude Daquin was a virtuoso organist and harpsichordist. He was courted by the imitates the sprightly call of the cuckoo bird at its most vocal. It has been a favourite among pianists and works a treat as an encore on the concert platform.: Think of the timbre of the harpsichord, which is a very different sound to that of a modern-day piano. The notes need to sound ‘plucked’ – quite the opposite of a legato. Each striking of the key should be clear and decisive – as ‘alert’ as the cuckoo itself – but never with an attacked or harsh sound. Keep things light and imagine that you are plucking the notes. Pedal is not required.
