Karl Richter was an eminent German conductor, organist, and harpsichordist, particularly renowned for his interpretations of Johann Sebastian Bach's music. Born on October 15, 1926, in Plauen, Saxony, he studied at the St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, where he became intimately familiar with Bach's works, playing a pivotal role in the post-war revival of Baroque music. He went on to establish the Munich Bach Choir and Munich Bach Orchestra, which became forums for his detailed and historically-informed performances.

Richter's prowess as a Bach interpreter is evident in his extensive discography, which includes seminal recordings such as the remastered "J.S. Bach: Goldberg Variations, BWV 988" and "Bach: Organ Works." His mastery of the Baroque style also extended to other composers of the period, as seen in works like "Handel: Flute Sonatas" and "Haydn: Die Schöpfung, Hob. XXI:2 (Live)." Richter's approach to music was noted for its vigor, clarity, and precision, and he was recognized for his ability to draw deeply expressive performances from both choirs and instrumentalists. His legacy lives on in his recordings and the many students he taught over his career. Karl Richter passed away on February 15, 1981, but his profound influence on the performance of Baroque music, especially that of Bach, endures in the countless musicians and enthusiasts he inspired.

Genres

Classical Organ

Classical Performance

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Latest Release

Jesu bleibet meine Freude

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau•

Karl Richter

Album - 11 Tracks - Released April 26, 2024