Barthold Kuijken

About the Author

Barthold Kuijken is a renowned Belgian flutist, conductor, and musicologist whose pioneering work in early music has reshaped our understanding of historical performance practices. Trained at the Brussels Conservatory, he became a leading figure in the authentic instrument movement, founding ensembles like La Petite Bande and performing on period flutes to revive forgotten Baroque and Renaissance repertoires. As a scholar, Kuijken delves into the nuances of notation versus interpretation, emphasizing how modern scores often obscure the improvisational spirit of ancient music. His influential book, The Notation Is Not the Music: Reflections on Early Music Practice and Performance, draws from decades of hands-on experience to challenge performers and listeners alike, advocating for a deeper, more intuitive engagement with the past. Through recordings, concerts, and teaching at institutions like the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, Kuijken continues to bridge historical authenticity with contemporary vitality.