Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Pioneer of Early Music, Retires from Conducting Indefinitely at Age 86

In light of his failing health and recent cancellations Nikolaus Harnoncourt, pioneer of early music, has decided to take an indefinite amount of time off from his work. The retirement notice comes during the conductor's 86th birthday celebration.

Mr. Harnoncourt is also known as the founder of the Concentus Musicus Wien in 1953. He also teamed up with Gustav Leonhardt and recorded 200 plus Bach cantatas for Teldec and became a much-desired conductor for later music, too.

His retirement comes in the form of a handwritten note, echoing his work in early-music. Written in German, he addresses his audience and describes his physical status through lament.

It states:

"Dear audience,

My physical strength requires me to cancel my future plans. Great ideas have arisen: An unbelievably deep relationship has developed between us on the stage and you in the hall - we have become a happy community of pioneers! - Much will remain. This year's cycle will be carried on in my spirit. Remain faithful to it!"

Born in Berlin to an Aristocratic family, he was raised in Graz, Austria and began his career as a cellist. After founding the Concentus Musicus Wien with his wife Alive, he delved into period work, honing in on the details of Renaissance and Baroque performance traditions, as per The New York Times.

Having a unique connection to his orchestra, he always rooted himself in the question of "Why?" A 2003 interview even revealed that he thought "a musician has a right to get an answer to this question."

His future plans remain to be seen, as his website still shows many scheduled dates. Over the next few weeks, organizers of his schedule will announce what they intend to do with the dates reserved for Mr. Harnoncourt. For now, the concerts at Vienna Musikverein will take place and the Beethoven cycle at the Styriarte Festival 2016 with the Concentus Musicus will also take place.

It is a tragedy to lose such a large figure in classical but we wish all the best to Mr. Harnoncourt and his loved ones as the conductor continues his life sans music.

You can see and hear some of his earlier work in the video below.