Les Barricades mystérieuses (6th order, no. 5) - François Couperin (1668-1733) By Valérie Duchâteau – www.valerieduchateau.com Published in 1717, Les Barricades mystérieuses by François Couperin is the fifth piece of the sixth order of harpsichord. Originally written in B flat, our arrangement is based on the key of C, which is better suited to the possibilities of the guitar. A little wink, this piece develops a "broken" writing, also called "lute style". Les Barricades mystérieuses is a piece built on a succession of eighth notes played at a high tempo. Rather than beating the pulse on the quarter note, it is advisable to beat "on the half note" in order to give a more natural breath to this imposing flow of notes. On the right hand side, the formula "(p)-ip / ai then pmp / ai", identical throughout, will require a little practice. Don't hesitate to loop the first two measures to get a better feel for the supports. Take a slight breath during the appoggiaturas.