The great Dutch maestro of historical performance practice, and co-founder of the fabulous Orchestra of the 18th Century, Frans Bruggen, has died in The Netherlands. He was a giant figure in the HIP movement, a baroque flautist and musicologist, and his orchestra is just sensational. And what a handsome figure he cut until comparatively recent years!!
Sad news, but not entirely unexpected given his advanced years and recent ill health. He will indeed be missed, though. He was a great and sensitive conductor (and performer) who was absolutely dedicated to the music of the baroque and classical eras. Lucky for us he leaves a tremendous legacy of superb recordings.
Here's a terribly poignant section of Bruggen's final concert in The Hague. He's sitting in a wheelchair and using a naso-gastric tube. It was music music music...right to the end. Take a look at his facial expression - it tells us everything:
