J S Bach: French Suites - Thurston Dart

Thurston Dart, born in 1921, was a pioneering figure in the world of early music, renowned for his work as a musicologist, conductor, and keyboard player. A central figure in the early music revival in England during the 1950s and 1960s, Dart revolutionized the performance and understanding of Baroque and early Classical-era music. His innovative approach to musicology was deeply informed by his performance practice, making him a unique and influential figure in the field.

Dart's academic journey took him from the Royal College of Music and University College, Exeter, to Belgium, where he studied with Charles van den Borren. He later taught at the University of Cambridge before becoming the King Edward Professor of Music at King's College London in 1964, a position he held until his untimely death in 1971. Throughout his career, Dart mentored numerous students who went on to become established scholars and performers, cementing his legacy as a teacher of immense importance.

As a performer, Dart was known for his skill on the harpsichord and his involvement in groundbreaking musical events, such as the annual quadruple-harpsichord concerts at the Royal Festival Hall. His contributions to the field of early music are vast, and his influence can still be heard in the work of musicians he inspired, such as Michael Nyman and Christopher Hogwood. Dart's scholarly work, particularly his books on the performance of historical music, continues to guide musicians and scholars alike, making him a enduring figure in the classical music world.