The compositions for viola da gamba, Pièces de Violes, by François Couperin, published in 1728, are today among the major works of Baroque chamber music and are considered the absolute pinnacle of the repertoire written for the viola da gamba, on a par with the three sonatas for viola da gamba and harpsichord by Johann Sebastian Bach.

Released in 1975 by Astrée, this legendary recording with Ton Koopman on harpsichord and Ariane Maurette on the second viola da gamba was the first of many milestones in Jordi Savall's baroque repertoire.

Couperin wrote the two suites at the peak of his art, which is particularly evident in the fantastic and mysterious Pompe funèbre.