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Austrian Conductor and Early Music Specialist Nikolaus Harnoncourt Dies at 86

 
Nikolaus Harnoncourt, a conductor best known as one of the pioneers of historically informed performance, died Saturday at the age of 86. Harnoncourt served as a cellist with the Vienna Symphony from 1952 to 1969. In 1953, he and his wife, violinist Alice HoffelnerHarnoncourt, founded the ConcentusMusicusWien, an ensemble dedicated to performing Baroque music on period instruments and according to historically informed performance practice. 

Harnoncourt also conducted music of other time periods but always with consideration for the historical authenticity of the music. He had announced his retirement in December 2015. 

Harnoncourt is survived by his wife and by three of his four children, including mezzo-soprano Elisabeth von Magnus. 
 
Read the New York Times article here.
 
View a video of Harnoncourt rehearsing with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe here.

Dr. Amanda Sewell is IPR's music director.