Hofkapelle Stuttgart


Hofkapelle Stuttgart, historically the Württemberg Hofkapelle is a German orchestra based in Stuttgart which has existed since the 16th century. It was the band of the House of Württemberg. Since 2002, it is an orchestra founded by Frieder Bernius to play Baroque music in historically informed performance.
In 1617 it consisted of 50 "excellent singers" and was affiliated with the royal chamber music ensemble. In 1699, eleven "Kapellknaben" performed. From 1736 to 1750, the chapel made singers and Kapellknaben available for opera performances, the chapel choir was transformed to the opera choir, while an orchestra took the name Hofkapelle.
In 1818, Johann Nepomuk Hummel introduced subscription concerts, promoting the development of the orchestra to a modern symphony orchestra.

History

The Hofkapelle of Württemberg was established in 1496 by Duke Eberhard II for the playing of religious music at court. At that time, it was made up by a boys' choir and vocal and musical instrumentalists.
In 1498, Eberhard II was deposed by Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor at the request of the Estates of Württemberg, and the Hofkapelle was suspended. He was replaced as Duke with his nephew, Ulrich. Ulrich reestablished the Hofkapelle, but also opened a school for the boys' choir and lavished money on benefices for the Hofkapelle's members. This and other extravagant expenditures and Ulrich's methods of supporting them made him extremely unpopular. He was expelled in 1519 by the military might of the Swabian League, who then sold the Duchy of Württemberg to Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. The Hofkapelle continued to play at court while the Duchy was controlled by the House of Habsburg.

Hofkapelle Stuttgart

In 2002, conductor Frieder Bernius founded an orchestra to play Baroque music in historically informed performance and took the historic name.

Hofkapellmeister

Notable musicians and directors of the Hofkapelle Stuttgart were:

Musicians