Birth

:

June 10, 1911 in Leominster, MA

Death

:

April 13, 1984 in Guilford, CT

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

Ralph Kirkpatrick was an American harpsichordist, musicologist, and teacher who was born on June 10, 1911, in Leominster, Massachusetts. He was the son of a Congregational minister and grew up in a musical family. His mother was a pianist, and his father played the organ. Kirkpatrick began playing the piano at a young age and later switched to the harpsichord, which became his primary instrument. Kirkpatrick attended Harvard University, where he studied music and literature. He also studied with the renowned harpsichordist Wanda Landowska in Paris. In 1933, he made his debut as a harpsichordist in New York City, performing at the Museum of Modern Art. He quickly gained a reputation as one of the leading harpsichordists of his time. Kirkpatrick was known for his virtuosic playing and his deep understanding of Baroque music. He was particularly interested in the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and spent much of his career studying and performing Bach's works. He was also a pioneer in the revival of early music, which had fallen out of favor in the 19th century. In addition to his performing career, Kirkpatrick was also a respected musicologist and teacher. He wrote several books on music, including a definitive study of Bach's Goldberg Variations. He also taught at several universities, including Yale University and the University of California, Berkeley. One of Kirkpatrick's most notable performances was his recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations, which he made in 1959. The recording was widely praised and is still considered one of the definitive recordings of the work. Kirkpatrick's interpretation of the piece was notable for its clarity and precision, as well as its emotional depth. Kirkpatrick also performed with several leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He was a frequent collaborator with the conductor Leonard Bernstein, and the two worked together on several projects, including a performance of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 5. Throughout his career, Kirkpatrick received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music. In 1971, he was awarded the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, which is often referred to as the "genius grant." He was also awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1985, which is the highest honor given to artists by the United States government. Kirkpatrick continued to perform and teach until his death in 1984. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest harpsichordists of the 20th century and a leading figure in the revival of early music. His recordings and writings continue to be studied and admired by musicians and music lovers around the world.

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