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Alfred Brendel

Alfred Brendel

Born: 5th January 1931, Wiesenberg

Died: 17th June 2025, Hampstead, London

Nationality: Austrian

Artist's website: http://alfredbrendel.com/

Alfred Brendel (1931-2025) was an Austrian pianist, born in Czechoslovakia. He is widely regarded as one of the great classical pianists of the second half of the twentieth century.

Brendel's playing was sometimes described as being analytic, and he believed that the primary job of the pianist is to respect the composer's wishes without showing off himself, or adding his own spin on the music: "I am responsible to the composer, and particularly to the piece". As well as his old teacher, Edwin Fischer, he cited Alfred Cortot, Wilhelm Kempff, and the conductors Bruno Walter and Wilhelm Furtwängler as particular influences.

Further Reading: Alfred Brendel

  • Alfred Brendel (1931-2025)

    17th Jun 2025by Matthew Ash

    The legendary Czech-born Austrian pianist, writer, poet and artist has died at the age of 94, surrounded by family at his home in Hampstead Heath.

  • Alfred the Great - Brendel at 90

    13th May 2021by Katherine Cooper

    The Austrian pianist and author, who celebrated his ninetieth birthday in January, reflects on how the classical music world has altered since he began his career seven decades ago...

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