The Orchestra of the 18th Century is a revered period-instrument ensemble, renowned for their faithful interpretations of classical and early romantic music. Founded in 1981 by Frans Brüggen, a preeminent Dutch flutist and conductor, the orchestra was formed with the vision of recreating the soundscapes of the 18th and early 19th centuries with authenticity and scholarly insight. Comprising approximately 50 members, the group includes musicians from all over the world who are specialists in historical performance practices.

The ensemble has earned critical acclaim through both live performances and a plethora of recordings. They place significant emphasis on the works of composers such as Beethoven, Haydn, and Mozart, amongst others, interpreting each piece with utmost regard for the historical context and the composer’s intentions. Over the years, the Orchestra of the 18th Century has expanded their repertoire to include lesser-known works, thereby shedding new light on the rich tapestry of music from the era. Their discography showcases a broad range of composers, from the achievements of C.P.E. Bach to the operatic charms of Rossini's "L'Italiana in Algeri," and from the symphonic grandeur of Schubert to the nuanced expression found in the music of Rameau. The ensemble's live recordings, as reflected in their most recent releases, continue to capture the dynamism and depth of their performances, securing their place as one of the foremost period instrument orchestras in the world.

Genres

Classical Performance

Historically Informed Performance

Orchestra

Related Artists

The English Concert

Il Giardino Armonico

Freiburger Barockorchester

Europa Galante

Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra

Les Arts Florissants

La Petite Bande

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

Concerto Köln

Musica Antiqua Köln

English Baroque Soloists

La Serenissima

Latest Release

The Frans Brüggen Project

Lucie Horsch•

Johann Sebastian Bach•

Orchestra Of The 18th Century•

Georg Philipp Telemann•

George Frideric Handel

Album - 26 Tracks - Released November 8, 2024