Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

In English we say 'play and conduct', but strangely enough in German there is no specific term for the once common practice of conducting the orchestra from the instrument. Sir András Schiff is part of this tradition in the best sense of the word: he often and gladly makes use of his dual talent as conductor and instrumentalist. Schiff can rightly be described as a musician in the fullest sense of the word: reflecting, analysing, playing, conducting and communicating. This self-image is perfectly compatible with the equally alert musical attitude of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment - it is no coincidence that the conductor, pianist and orchestra regularly seek to work together. This is documented, among other things, by a highly acclaimed recording of Johannes Brahms' piano concertos from 2021. When Schiff and the English orchestra come to Frankfurt, the focus will be on Joseph Haydn, of whom Schiff is convinced: "Of all the great composers, Haydn is the most underrated.