Bernhard Klapprott

Bernhard Klapprott is a German harpsichordist, clavichord player, organist, and professor at the Franz Liszt University of Music Weimar, where he leads the Institute for Early Music. He specializes in historical keyboard instruments and early music performance practice, teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels. His roles include professor of harpsichord/historical keyboard instruments and organ (early music) in the Church Music/Organ program.

Education: Studied with Hugo Ruf, Bob van Asperen, and Michael Schneider. Completed concert diplomas in harpsichord and organ in Cologne and Amsterdam. Founded the ensemble Cantus Thuringia & Capella (1999) to promote Central German Baroque repertoire. Initiated the 'Thuringia Music Heritage' project to revive forgotten vocal/instrumental works.

Research focuses on clavichord's role in 18th-century vocal style, South German Renaissance keyboard practices, and Silbermann organ performance. Has recorded over 30 CDs on labels like Aeolus and cpo, winning ECHO Klassik and German Record Critics' Awards. Notable recordings include Bach's Complete Organ Works on Silbermann Organs and Thomas Tomkins' complete keyboard music.

Teaching emphasizes 16th–18th century repertoires, historically informed performance practices, and contemporary works for early instruments. His students have won major competitions including the International Harpsichord Competition in Bruges and the Telemann Competition in Magdeburg.