Nikolaus Harnoncourt (1929-2016) was an Austrian conductor and cellist, renowned for his pioneering work in the field of historically informed performance. Primarily associated with the genres of classical and baroque music, he was instrumental in reviving and popularizing the practice of using period instruments and authentic performance techniques to achieve a more historically accurate interpretation of classical works. Harnoncourt co-founded the Concentus Musicus Wien in 1953, which became a leading ensemble in the early music revival. His notable recordings include interpretations of Bach's "St. Matthew Passion," Handel's "Messiah," and Mozart's operas, among others. He was also acclaimed for his work with the Vienna Philharmonic and the Berlin Philharmonic. Harnoncourt's impact on music is significant; he challenged traditional performance practices and inspired a generation of musicians to explore the nuances of baroque and classical repertoire. His insistence on historical authenticity has left a lasting influence on both performers and scholars, fostering a greater appreciation for the context in which classical music was originally created.