Gustav Leonhardt Dead at 83

[Leeway]

"Gustav Leonhardt, a Dutch harpsichordist and conductor who was a major figure in the postwar “early music” movement, which sought to give historically authentic performances of music from the Baroque era, died Jan. 16 at his home in Amsterdam. He was 83."

See the rest of the Washington Post obituary here:

Leonhardt Obituary

I do disagree with one assertion made int he obit:

"Mr. Leonhardt made his solo debut on harpsichord in 1950 and, two years later, published an important historical study of Bach’s music. His 1953 recording of Bach’s “The Art of Fugue” became a landmark in which all the historical puzzles of tempo and dynamics were solved."

All the historical puzzles "solved"? Don't think so.

But Leonhardt was certainly very influential in HIP.

[J.A.W.]

I do disagree with one assertion made int he obit:

"Mr. Leonhardt made his solo debut on harpsichord in 1950 and, two years later, published an important historical study of Bach’s music. His 1953 recording of Bach’s “The Art of Fugue” became a landmark in which all the historical puzzles of tempo and dynamics were solved."

All the historical puzzles "solved"? Don't think so.

But Leonhardt was certainly very influential in HIP.

I agree, that's nonsense. I do acknowledge that he was an important figure in the early HIP movement, but that quote misfires.

Anyway, although I'm not a fan of his playing I'm still sad that he's gone.

Edited January 20, 2012 by J.A.W.

[Chuck Nessa]

He was an important musical figure. For my taste he was to "tight" with rhythm. I purchased a bunch of his recordings.

[worldmusic]

I found out about Leonhardt's death from wkcr.org. They're doing a memorial broadcast for him now; very beautiful music.

worldmusic

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