Gustav Leonhardt, pioneer in early music movement, dies at 83
Gustav Leonhardt, the revelatory Dutch harpsichordist, organist and scholar, died Monday in Amsterdam at the age of 83.
He was, to quote the Guardian's obit, "a pioneer and pillar of the early music movement." No one seriously interested in music of the baroque could have missed Mr. Leonhardt's contributions to the understanding of that genre over the past 60 years.
His work carried enormous weight as the music world began to rediscover the techniques and principles of historically informed performance practice. He leaves behind a substantial recorded legacy, and several students who have continue to contribute to the authenticity movement.
Here is a sample of Mr. Leonhardt's artistry, filmed at a recital in Paris last month:
Comments
Gustav really was an asset to baroque interpretation and boosting of the era's music. I began piano lessons in elementary school, and my teacher let me borrow her recordings of Gustav at the harpsichord. Good memories.
Posted by: Laura | January 18, 2012 3:54 PM
A great loss, needless to say. A more complete obituary appears in The Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/9021331/Gustav-Leonhardt.html
Do you know when was the last time that Leonhardt visited the Washington - Baltimore area? The Guardian obit mentions that he visited the US almost every year, and I seem to recall some concerts in NY. But none in the Washington-Baltimore area (which is strange, since one of his collaborators, Jaap Schroeded worked with the Smithsonian Players.)
Thanks!
In my 12 years here, I do not recall any Baltimore area performances. And a look at Shriver Hall's complete archives reveals that he never graced that stage -- the most likely venue for him here, I imagine. I suspect DC must have heard him at some point. TIM
Posted by: Don Ciccio | January 20, 2012 9:20 AM