Photo: hogwood.org

Director of the Haydn Society Denis McCaldin shares his memories of the early music pioneer Christopher Hogwood, who died today at the age of 73.

“With the death of Christopher Hogwood, the Haydn Society has lost one of its most influential members and friends. I was lucky enough to collaborate with him a couple of times. Working with him in any capacity was always a pleasure. He carried his strong intellectual qualities with enviable ease.

Sadly, his project in the 1990s with Decca to record all Haydn’s symphonies was cancelled after 10 of the complete set of 15 CDs had been issued. His decision not to include a harpsichord in the sessions, in spite of his impressive skills as a keyboard player, scandalised the early music world.

For many music lovers however, his decision was strongly vindicated. His basic love of music and his delight in communicating that love through his teaching, broadcasting, writing and performing was refreshingly natural. He will be much missed by the Society.”