Early music pioneer Christopher Hogwood dies, aged 73
24 September 2014, 16:47 | Updated: 28 October 2014, 14:50
Classical music world mourns champion of authentic instrument performances.
The British conductor, harpsichordist and champion of Early Music, Christopher Hogwood, has died at the age of 73.
Hogwood founded the Early Music Consort with David Munrow in 1967, followed by the Academy of Ancient Music (AAM) in 1973, pioneering the performances of Baroque and early Classical music on period instruments. The Early Music Consort was disbanded following Munrow's death in 1976, but Hogwood continued to perform and record with the AAM. They made more than 200 recordings together. In 2006, he assumed the title of its Emeritus Director.
GALLERY: Christopher Hogwood and the Academy of Ancient Music: a history in pictures >
Soprano and Classic FM presenter Catherine Bott described Hogwood as "a true pioneer of early music." She added: "It should be very keenly remembered that, as well as being a fine conductor, and a great inspirer of generations of musicians in baroque music, he was a first-rate scholar and a wonderful keyboard player."
Catherine Bott on Christopher Hogwood
The Academy of Ancient Music's present leader Pavlo Beznosiuk said Hogwood not only charmed audiences but he was a great support to the musicians he worked with.
Pavlo Beznosiuk on Christopher Hogwood
After 1981, Hogwood conducted regularly in the United States. He also won acclaim for his opera conducting, working at some of the world's greatest opera houses including La Scala Milan, the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, and the Teatro Real in Madrid, where he conducted a production of Stravinsky's The Rake's Progress, directed by Robert Lepage.
Although he was best known for championing the baroque and early classical repertoire, he also performed contemporary music.
In 1989 he was appointed a CBE by HM The Queen.
His numerous recordings, which included the complete Mozart and Beethoven symphonies, attracted some of the world's most prestigious awards.
