Slow Dances for Nikolaus Harnoncourt

Nikolaus Harnoncourt has been a force in music for over half a century; his devotion to period performance and his unusually broad repertoire has resulted in a large number of recordings and performances that, at their best, have the ability to make us hear even the most familiar pieces in a completely new light. In honour of the conductor’s 85th birthday, the Konzerthaus commenced a week-long celebration of Mr Harnoncourt’s career with a concert featuring works by Bartók and Schubert performed by Iván Fischer and the Konzerthaus orchestra. After the orchestra had taken the stage, the lights dimmed and Mr Harnoncourt himself appeared in the form of a video projection. He said a few words about the two composers, as well as the evening’s conductor who appeared soon after to lead the orchestra in a performance of Bartók’s Music…