Bernard Coutaz, the founder and General Director of the Harmonia Mundi record label, died last Friday at the age of 87.

Harmonia Mundi began in 1958. Its early success was largely due to an exclusive recording contract Coutaz secured with the countertenor Alfred Deller. Later growth saw the establishment of nine international subsidiary companies, all overseen from the head office in Arles in Southern France. The success and independence of the company were aided by a policy of independent distribution, which also saw Harmonia Mundi distributing classical and jazz releases from a range of other independent labels.

Coutaz’ wife Eva has been the company’s Head of Production since the 1970s. She will succeed him as General Director.