Johann Nikolaus Harnoncourt was an Austrian conductor renowned for his historically informed approach to performance. Initially a classical cellist, he founded the period instrument ensemble Concentus Musicus Wien in 1953 and became a leading figure in the Early Music movement. Harnoncourt was especially noted for his interpretations of Baroque music, recording all of Bach’s cantatas with Gustav Leonhardt. Over time, he expanded his repertoire to include Classical and early Romantic works, conducting major orchestras and appearing at prominent festivals and opera houses. He also wrote several books on musical interpretation and aesthetics.