A complete set of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos reflecting period instrument performance practice led by Harnoncourt and the Concentus Musicus Wien.
Artist page · 06/07/2026
Nikolaus Harnoncourt
About
Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Pioneering Baroque and Classical interpretations with period instruments.
3 key vinyl releases from Warner Classics showcasing Baroque and Classical mastery on original instruments.
Nikolaus Harnoncourt, born in Berlin in 1929 and raised in Graz, Austria, initially built his career as a cellist with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra from 1952 to 1969. In 1953, together with his wife Alice, he founded the Concentus Musicus Wien, an ensemble dedicated to authentic performances of early music using period instruments. The group made landmark recordings of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos and Orchestral Suites in the 1960s, directing from the cello or viola da gamba. His conducting career expanded from 1970, embracing opera and symphonic works with top European orchestras including the Berlin and Vienna Philharmonics, Concertgebouw, and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe.
Discography
Nikolaus Harnoncourt — Discography
Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.
TELDEC · 1995
TELDEC · 1995
Archiv Produktion · 1995
TELDEC · 1994
Teldec · 1994
TELDEC · 1994
Teldec · 1993
Teldec · 1993
Teldec · 1993
TELDEC · 1992
Teldec · 1992
Teldec · 1992
TELDEC · 1992
Teldec · 1990
Teldec Classics · 1990
TELDEC · 1988
TELDEC · 1987
TELDEC · 1987
Deutsche Grammophon · 1987
Deutsche Grammophon · 1986
TELDEC · 1986
TELDEC · 1986
Teldec · 1986
Teldec · 1985
TELDEC · 1985
TELDEC · 1984
Teldec · 1984
Telefunken · 1982
Telefunken · 1981
Telefunken · 1976
Telefunken · 1976
Telefunken · 1975
Orbis · 1974
Telefunken · 1968
Telefunken · 1966
The Bach Guild · 1965
Telefunken · 1965
Telefunken ·
Telefunken ·
Telefunken · Playlist
Signature tracks
The tracks that sum up Nikolaus Harnoncourt's career.
The essentials
The 3 Nikolaus Harnoncourt albums you absolutely need
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
High-definition remastering of Mozart's Requiem showcasing Harnoncourt’s expressive choral and orchestral direction with historically informed technique.
A double LP album featuring Schumann’s piano and violin concertos with nuanced interpretation under Harnoncourt’s baton.
Go further
Artists similar to Nikolaus Harnoncourt
Artists who share part of Nikolaus Harnoncourt's musical DNA.
Face B
Side B: the hidden stories of Nikolaus Harnoncourt
Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.
"Harnoncourt's approach was more demonstrative and exuberant among Bach interpreters."— On his Bach cantatas recordings
Founding of Concentus Musicus Wien in 1953
In 1953, Nikolaus Harnoncourt and his wife Alice founded the Concentus Musicus Wien, an early music ensemble dedicated to performing Baroque and Classical works on period instruments, establishing a new benchmark for historical performance.
Bach's Brandenburg Concertos recorded in 1964
Harnoncourt directed the landmark recording of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos in 1964 with Concentus Musicus Wien, conducting from the viola da gamba desk, emphasizing authentic interpretation.
Professor at Salzburg Mozarteum from 1972 to 1993
Between 1972 and 1993, Harnoncourt was professor for performance practice at the Salzburg Mozarteum, sharing his insights on historically informed music interpretation with new generations of musicians.
Collaborations with top European orchestras after 1970
From 1970 onwards, Harnoncourt conducted major orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, and Royal Concertgebouw, broadening his repertoire from early music to Beethoven and Schumann symphonies.
"His recordings of Beethoven's Missa solemnis and symphonies sold nearly one million copies worldwide."— Career Highlights
Records by Nikolaus Harnoncourt
See allCDs by Nikolaus Harnoncourt
Search all Nikolaus Harnoncourt CDsFAQ
FAQ: Nikolaus Harnoncourt on physical formats
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
Who was Nikolaus Harnoncourt?
Nikolaus Harnoncourt was an Austrian conductor, cellist, and viola da gamba player known for pioneering historically informed performances of Baroque and Classical music.
What types of vinyl records feature Harnoncourt's work?
His vinyl records mainly include Baroque concertos, Classical symphonies, and choral works performed on period instruments, often released on labels like Warner Classics.
Which orchestras did Harnoncourt conduct?
He conducted orchestras including the Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, Royal Concertgebouw, and Chamber Orchestra of Europe.
When was the Concentus Musicus Wien founded?
The Concentus Musicus Wien was founded by Nikolaus Harnoncourt and his wife in 1953 to perform early music on authentic instruments.
Are Harnoncourt's recordings available on vinyl recently?
Yes, several recent vinyl reissues include a 2021 high-definition remaster of Mozart's Requiem and a 2021 release of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos.
Where can I find Harnoncourt's vinyl records in France?
Harnoncourt's vinyl releases are available through classical music retailers and online platforms specializing in high-quality vinyl in France.
What makes Harnoncourt's Bach recordings special from a vinyl perspective?
They were among the first to use period instruments and historically informed techniques, giving vinyl collectors authentic Baroque sound reproduction.
Did Harnoncourt teach music interpretation?
He was professor for performance practice at Salzburg Mozarteum from 1972 to 1993, influencing interpretations of early music and beyond.
Transparency
Sources & method
This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
- Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.


