END OF AN ERA IN US EARLY MUSIC

Joel Cohen writes from Boston:

With deep sorrow we share the news: Ingeborg von Huene, a fine musician, deeply compassionate human being, and last surviving member of the original Camerata of the Museum of Fine Arts, has died at the age of 93.

Ingeborg and Friedrich von Huene. Photo courtesy The Boston Globe

Joel Cohen, who first met Inge when, still a student, he joined Camerata in 1963, offers these thoughts:

“With Ingeborg von Huene’s passing, a beautiful chapter in the history of the early music revival comes to a close. Inge so loved and encouraged music in all its manifestations. She and her husband Friedrich were core members of the original Camerata, and I loved hearing them play their parts, he on all kind of winds, she on recorders and gambas, when the small, pioneering ensemble performed Renaissance music by Isaac, Senfl, Susato, and others. 

Their enthusiasm for such little-known but precious repertoires inspired me to pursue and persevere in the arena of pre-Baroque performance. She knew that someday many people would come to love early music, and she was absolutely right.

“Inge was also the essential co-head of the world-famous von Huene Workshop, directing business and sales, moving it forward into the international early-instruments market, as Friedrich and his staff turned out their world-class, impeccably crafted recorders and flutes.

“She was also a close observer of the early music movement and people who participated, and was, in my recollection, one of the most generous and encouraging souls in the entire field. She took great interest in the doings of her cohorts and colleagues, and was always ready with words of encouragement to aspiring young performers. She was like a benevolent gardener, helping the new shoots come out of the ground, into fruition.

“May it be remembered that she, along with Friedrich, founded the Boston Early Music Festival. I remember the joy in her voice as she first announced it to the Camerata board during a meeting.

“But most of all, beyond all her vital achievement in the music world, I remember her smile, recalling Ruben’s portrait of Isabella Brandt, her delightful accent, her warmth, her love of family-based singing and playing, her words and gestures of welcome and support. What a magnificent person she was, and how we shall miss her.”

Boston Globe Photo: Inge and Friedrich von Huene in front of the Early Music Shop of New England.

First published at Slippedisc, June 22, 2023