La Petite Bande, the ensemble formed by Sigiswald Kuijken in 1972, serves as the primary vessel for his historically informed performance style. Born in Dilbeek, Belgium, in 1944, Kuijken established himself through a career spanning roles as a violinist, violist, conductor, and music educator, consistently emphasizing the use of period instruments and specific technical approaches to Baroque repertoire.
Early Career and Ensemble Foundations
Before launching his own orchestra, Kuijken participated in the Alarius Ensemble of Brussels, performing with them from 1964 until 1972. His pedagogical work began in 1971, when he accepted teaching positions for Baroque violin at both the Royal Conservatory of The Hague and the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. In 1986, he expanded his ensemble work by forming the Kuijken String Quartet, a group that remains a key component of his professional output.
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Kuijken advocates for the historical technique of resting the violin against the shoulder rather than securing it under the chin. His approach to historical performance extends beyond physical technique into large-scale vocal works. Influenced by the research of Joshua Rifkin and Andrew Parrott, he championed a one-voice-per-part model for J.S. Bach’s cantatas. This method, applied to his 19-part CD series for Accent Records recorded between 2004 and 2012, involves significantly smaller vocal and instrumental forces than those typically employed by modern choirs.
Recognition and Professional Awards
Kuijken’s contributions to the field of music have been formally acknowledged by several institutions. In 2007, the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven granted him an honorary doctorate. The following year, he received the Flemish Culture Award for General Cultural Achievement. His list of accolades includes the ANV Visser Neerlandia-price for Music awarded in 2012 and the Gouden Penning in 2015.
Fast facts
- Born: 1944, Dilbeek, Belgium
- Primary instruments: Violin, viola
- La Petite Bande founded: 1972
- Kuijken String Quartet founded: 1986
- Honorary doctor, KU Leuven: 2007
- Flemish Culture Award: 2008
- ANV Visser Neerlandia-price: 2012
- Gouden Penning: 2015
Questions readers ask
What is the core of Sigiswald Kuijken's approach to Bach?
He employs a one-voice-per-part technique and reduced instrumental forces, drawing on research regarding authentic performance.
Where has Sigiswald Kuijken taught?
He has held teaching positions at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague and the Royal Conservatory of Brussels.
Achievements
- Instruments: violin and viola
- Genres: classical music and Baroque music
