Christiane Jaccottet
Christiane Jaccottet, born Christiane Wachsmuth on May 18, 1937, in Lausanne, Switzerland, was a distinguished Swiss harpsichordist renowned for her interpretations of classical music, particularly the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. Coming from a musical family, she began her piano studies at the age of four and continued her education at the Conservatory at La-Chaux-de-Fonds and the Viennese Musical Academy. Under the guidance of Gustav Leonhardt, she honed her skills in performing on period instruments.
Jaccottet's early career was marked by significant achievements, including winning a competition sponsored by ARD Television in Munich at age 20 and receiving the Soloist's Prize from the Swiss Music Society in 1964. The following year, she won the prize for harpsichord and basso continuo at the First International Music Competition in Bruges.
Throughout her career, Jaccottet toured extensively across the USA, Canada, Europe, and Australia, performing at major international music festivals. She collaborated with notable musicians such as Heinz Holliger, Aurèle Nicolet, Michel Corboz, and Frank Martin. From 1975 until her death on October 26, 1999, in Rivaz, Switzerland, she served as a professor at the Geneva Conservatory.
Jaccottet's discography includes over 100 recordings, with her interpretations of Bach's English Suites and Frank Martin's harpsichord concertos being particularly celebrated. She was married to Pierre Jaccottet, and her legacy continues to influence the world of classical music.