David Ponsford is a renowned organist and harpsichordist who has been engaged in academic research and performances of French Baroque music throughout his career. He teaches at Bristol University and is Associate Lecturer at Cardiff University, where he directs courses in performance practice and conducts the University Choir and Chamber Orchestra. He has made a number of solo organ and harpsichord recordings, including J. S. Bach's Clavierübung Part 3, Parthenia and J. S. Bach's complete violin sonatas with Jacqueline Ross. His edition of Biber's Mystery Sonatas was published in 2007.

'Here is a book the organ world has been waiting for: an authoritative account of French Baroque organ music from Louis Couperin to Clérambault, based on an examination of the repertoire by genre rather than simply by composer, thus revealing many new insights. Moreover, the links between stylistic analysis and performance practice make the book essential reading for both performers and scholars.' Kenneth Gilbert

• 1. Introduction; 2. Genre; 3. The conventions of notes inégales; 4. Ornaments; 5. Fingering; 6. The influence of Italian music; 7. Plein jeu; 8. Fugue; 9. Duo; 10. Récit de dessus; 11. Récit en taille; 12. Récit de basse; 13. Trio; 14. Fond d'orgue; 15. Grand jeu.

David Ponsford is a renowned organist and harpsichordist who has been engaged in academic research and performances of French Baroque music throughout his career. He teaches at Bristol University and is Associate Lecturer at Cardiff University, where he directs courses in performance practice and conducts the University Choir and Chamber Orchestra. He has made a number of solo organ and harpsichord recordings, including J. S. Bach's Clavierübung Part 3, Parthenia and J. S. Bach's complete violin sonatas with Jacqueline Ross. His edition of Biber's Mystery Sonatas was published in 2007.

'Here is a book the organ world has been waiting for: an authoritative account of French Baroque organ music from Louis Couperin to Clérambault, based on an examination of the repertoire by genre rather than simply by composer, thus revealing many new insights. Moreover, the links between stylistic analysis and performance practice make the book essential reading for both performers and scholars.' Kenneth Gilbert

• 1. Introduction; 2. Genre; 3. The conventions of notes inégales; 4. Ornaments; 5. Fingering; 6. The influence of Italian music; 7. Plein jeu; 8. Fugue; 9. Duo; 10. Récit de dessus; 11. Récit en taille; 12. Récit de basse; 13. Trio; 14. Fond d'orgue; 15. Grand jeu.

David Ponsford is a renowned organist and harpsichordist who has been engaged in academic research and performances of French Baroque music throughout his career. He teaches at Bristol University and is Associate Lecturer at Cardiff University, where he directs courses in performance practice and conducts the University Choir and Chamber Orchestra. He has made a number of solo organ and harpsichord recordings, including J. S. Bach's Clavierübung Part 3, Parthenia and J. S. Bach's complete violin sonatas with Jacqueline Ross. His edition of Biber's Mystery Sonatas was published in 2007.

'Here is a book the organ world has been waiting for: an authoritative account of French Baroque organ music from Louis Couperin to Clérambault, based on an examination of the repertoire by genre rather than simply by composer, thus revealing many new insights. Moreover, the links between stylistic analysis and performance practice make the book essential reading for both performers and scholars.' Kenneth Gilbert

• 1. Introduction; 2. Genre; 3. The conventions of notes inégales; 4. Ornaments; 5. Fingering; 6. The influence of Italian music; 7. Plein jeu; 8. Fugue; 9. Duo; 10. Récit de dessus; 11. Récit en taille; 12. Récit de basse; 13. Trio; 14. Fond d'orgue; 15. Grand jeu.