In Thursday’s (9/25) Boston Globe, Jeremy Eichler writes, “The conductor, scholar, and harpsichordist Christopher Hogwood, a pioneer of the early music movement who led Boston’s Handel and Haydn Society for 15 years, died at his home in Cambridge, England, Wednesday. He was 73.” Born in Nottingham, England, and educated in classics and music at Pembroke College, Cambridge, Hogwood “was one of the early music movement’s brightest stars, rising to international prominence after founding in 1973 the Academy of Ancient Music, with whom he made more than 200 recordings.” Though based largely in Europe, Hogwood “directed Boston’s Handel and Haydn Society from 1986 to 2001. It was under his watch that the orchestra completed its transition into a period-instrument ensemble, a major step that repositioned the venerable orchestra and pointed it toward its own future.” At that orchestra he also “introduced regular partnerships with high-profile jazz artists including Dave Brubeck, Chick Corea, and Gary Burton.” Hogwood amassed “a substantial discography as a keyboard player, and was active as an editor and author.” As Handel and Haydn’s conductor laureate he was originally scheduled to conduct Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” next March; those performances will be led by Grant Llewelyn, Handel and Haydn’s former music director, and dedicated to Hogwood’s memory.
Posted September 25, 2014
