School of Rock
Random article All articles A–Z
2 languages

Philippe Herreweghe

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Philippe Herreweghe is a Belgian conductor and choral conductor, born in Ghent in 1947. He received piano lessons from his mother and at university combined studies in medicine and psychiatry with musical training at the Ghent Conservatory. In 1970 he founded the Collegium Vocale Gent with fellow students. Nikolaus Harnoncourt and Gustav Leonhardt heard his approach and invited him and his choir to take part in their recordings of all the Bach cantatas.

Music and breakthrough

In 1977 Herreweghe started the ensemble La Chapelle Royale in Paris for French music of the golden age, with Lully, Charpentier and Campra, among others. From 1982 to 2002 he was artistic director of the Académies Musicales de Saintes. He also started the Ensemble Vocal Européen, specialising in Renaissance polyphony, and in 1991 the Orchestre des Champs Élysées, which plays Classical and Romantic music on original instruments. Since 1997 he has been principal conductor of the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra, and he also conducts renowned guest orchestras, such as the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.

Influence

He is best known for his Bach interpretations. His repertoire runs from the Renaissance to the early Romantic period, with excursions into Beethoven and Mahler. He aims for a historically informed and well-considered performance. In this way he belongs to the conductors who brought early music back to life with small forces and often on authentic instruments.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to a Bach cantata under Herreweghe and notice the balance between the small choir and the orchestra. Try to hear how clear every voice remains, even in the busy passages.

Discography

Studio albums

Categories: Artists