As the artistic director of the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra, Gottfried von der Goltz „conducts“ the ensemble from his position as leader at the first desk, actually modelling himself on Johann Georg Pisendel and his active way of conducting an ensemble. In the 18th century, Pisendel conducted the Dresden Court Orchestra from his violin desk, emancipating the position of leader into a role of greater responsibliity.

Gottfried von der Goltz began his early studies with his father, Konrad von der Goltz. He later studied under Ramy Shevelov in Hannover, going on to complete his training at the New York Juilliard School and finally to Rainer Kussmaul at the Freiburg Conservatory. At the age of 21, Gottfried von der Goltz was a member of the North German Radio Symphony Orchestra in Hamburg. Two years later, he left this secure position for the artistically more challenging work with the FBO. Today Gottfried von der Goltz is internationally one of the most acclaimed virtuosos on the Baroque violin and a much sought-after teacher. He has been Professor of Violin at the Freiburg Conservatory since 2004. The success of his CD productions with the Apponyi Quartet and the FBO are testimony to his remarkable standing as an instrumentalist.