Karl Richter
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Karl Richter (October 15, 1926 – February 15, 1981) was a German conductor, organist, and harpsichordist.
He was born in Plauen and studied first in Dresden and then Leipzig, where he received his degree in 1949. In the same year, he became organist at St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, the same appointment that Johann Sebastian Bach held.
In 1951, he moved to Munich, where he taught at the conservatory and was cantor and organist at St. Mark's Church. He also conducted the Munich Bach Choir starting in 1954 and the Munich Bach Orchestra.
In the 1960s and 1970s, he did a great deal of recording and undertook tours to Japan, the United States, and the Soviet Union.
He conducted a wide range of music, but is best remembered today for his interpretations of Johann Sebastian Bach's music. He avoided the fluctuations in tempo that was one characteristic of the prevailing Romantic manner of conducting Bach, but otherwise made no attempt to be historically authentic in his performances, using modern instruments right to the end of his career.
He died of a heart attack at the age of 54.
Please note: for Lt. Karl W. Richter, see "Karl W. Richter"
[edit] References
- Johannes Martin, Karl Richter in Muenchen (1951 - 1981) . Zeitzeugen erinnern sich (2005), Conventus Musicus, ISBN 3-00-016864-8
[edit] External links
- J.S. Bach.org - Karl Richter Recordings
- Bach Cantatas Website - Karl Richter Biography
- Chronicle recordings & tours Karl Richter and MBC / MBO 1951 - 1959
- Chronicle recordings & tours Karl Richter and MBC / MBO 1960 - 1965
- Chronicle recordings & tours Karl Richter and MBC / MBO 1966 - 1969
- Chronicle recordings & tours Karl Richter and MBC / MBO 1970 - 1975
- Chronicle recordings & tours Karl Richter and MBC / MBO 1977 - 1981
- Weblog Karl Richter in Munich (1951 - 1981) - Artists and Bach-choriser remember his work and influence on their career
