Joshua Rifkin

Classical Pianist and Conductor Specializing in Scott Joplin Ragtime

Joshua Rifkin is an American conductor, keyboard player, and musicologist, particularly known for his work in the field of early music and his role in the revival of Baroque music. Born on April 22, 1944, Rifkin has made significant contributions to the understanding and performance of the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. He gained widespread attention in the 1970s for his recordings of Bach's choral works with a reduced number of singers, a practice based on his research into historical performance practices. This approach, often referred to as the "one voice per part" (OVPP) hypothesis, sparked considerable debate and has influenced subsequent performances and recordings.