harmonia mundi Interview EN

harmonia mundi

Interview

For how long has the label been existing and what has changed in your daily business over the years?

Jean-Marc Berns: harmonia mundi was founded in 1958 by Bernard Coutaz, who remained at the helm of the company until 2010. The evolution of the label (its rise first in France, then internationally, its diversification and finally its acquisition by PIAS), combined with the evolution of the market, has constantly evolved our work.

Which three attributes would best describe the label?

It's difficult to describe the label from the inside. I think our audience can do that better than we can. But in two key points: Artistic quality and editorial content have top priority.

A recording that has had a decisive influence on the label (and why)?

The first recording with Alfred Deller in 1968. He opened the door for a whole generation of musicians who had an enormous influence on the label: René Jacobs, Philippe Herreweghe, William Christie, who in turn paved the way for the next generations: Isabelle Faust, Raphaël Pichon, François-Xavier Roth, Sébastien Daucé...

Carte blanche – a recording that you would like to realize, left aside all time and money issues?

Difficult ... there are many! But having all the Bach cantatas on the label at some point seems to me to be an achievable horizon.

Your wish for the next five years?

To continue - and even accelerate! - opening up the label to new target groups through streaming.

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