Following the European day of Early Music celebrated on 21st March, Bachtrack sets out this spring on a Grand Tour across Europe and beyond, to meet some of the most important period instrument performers and conductors. Today we meet Aapo Häkkinen, artistic director of the Helsinki Baroque Orchestra.
The status of Baroque music in contemporary society is hard to define. Some children start learning music with the harpsichord for instance. Is Baroque still ancient ?
Baroque is the earliest part of what is generally mainstream repertoire now. This is good, as a certain familiarity on the audience’s part certainly helps. (I’m talking of style, not of specific pieces … actually some of the Baroque ‘hits’ should better be avoided!)
History seems to be an inexhaustible source of inspiration. Historically informed performances have now explored more recent repertoires, such as 19th century music. How do you feel about this new trend? Where will it end?
I find it very welcome, and I’m personally very much involved with it. Most corners relating to 18th-century performing practice have at least been looked at – even if many remain lamentably neglected in practice – whereas 19th-century repertoire and instruments are clearly in need of thorough study and reassessment. Doing one’s homework should of course never end …