One of the most respected maestros in mainstream, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, an early music specialist, has died. The conductor, who passed away on Saturday in the village of St. Georgen in Attergau, was 86 years old.
A statement was posted to the maestro's website by his wife. His death follows an earlier announcement that he would be retiring in December due to health reasons.
In a letter to his fans, he wrote that his physical capabilities had forced him into multiple cancellations. Thomas Angyan, director of the Vienna Musikverein, said:
"I did not think so little time would pass between his retirement and death. We must continue the musical legacy he leaves us."
Born in Berlin and raised in Graz, Austria, Mr. Harnoncourt is the child of the granddaughter of a Habsburg Archduke and an Austrian count.
He studied cello at Vienna's Academy of Music and joined the ranks of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra in 1952, where he stayed on for almost 20 years.
Among his other accomplishments is the period-instrument ensemble Concentus Musicus Wien, which he founded in 1953 and kept an integral part of his career.
Mr. Harnoncourt is known as a self-proclaimed non-specialist who, however, researched and performed so scientifically that his interpretations were nearly encyclopedic.
Also on his docket of accolades, Mr. Harnoncourt led a Mozart cycle at the Vienna State Opera as well as a Monteverdi cycle at the Zurich Opera. He achievied early success as an orchestral conductor as part of a Mozart symphony with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and, recently, led a performance of Porgy and Bess at the Styriarte Festival in Graz in 2009.
We extend our condolences to Mr. Harnoncourt's family and loved ones.
Remember the famous maestro below with a video preview.
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