Gottfried von der Goltz is a violinist, conductor, and artist of extraordinary insight. As the director of the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern sound of historically informed performance, breathing new life into Baroque and Classical music with a blend of scholarship and sheer musical brilliance. Whether wielding the bow as a soloist or guiding an ensemble from the podium, his interpretations are known for their energy, elegance, and deep expressiveness.

In this conversation, Gottfried discusses his musical upbringing, his leadership of the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra, and his early involvement in historically informed performance. He reflects on his musical family background, his studies at Juilliard, and his passion for exploring Baroque and Classical repertoire with authenticity, including playing on period instruments and embracing improvisation and varied ornamentation. He shares insights into the different national styles of Baroque music and talks about the challenges and creativity involved in recording historically informed interpretations.

This interview was kindly arranged by the Snow Concert Hall in Canberra.