Nikolaus Harnoncourt’s influence on musical performance was transformative. In the 1950s, already established as an orchestral cellist in Vienna, he struck a new path by founding Concentus Musicus Wien, dedicated to performance on period instruments. As a conductor he developed relationships with major orchestras, always shedding new light on mainstream repertoire with his deep understanding of the composer’s intentions and historical performing style. This 15-CD collection, spanning eras from the late Renaissance to Romanticism, demonstrates the scope of his achievement.
