Alfred Brendel, World-Famous Pianist Known For Beethoven, Dies At 94
Born in Wiesenberg, northern Moravia (now in the Czech Republic), on January 5, 1931, Brendel's formal education in music began in Zagreb with Sofia Dezelic, continued at the Graz Conservatory under Ludovika von Kaan, and included composition studies with Artur Michl. But even that path was interrupted as he and his mother were forced to flee during the Russian invasion in World War II.
At 17, encouraged by his teacher to forge his own path, Brendel gave his debut recital in Graz in 1948. 'When I turned 16, my piano teacher told me I should now continue on my own and give a first public recital," he later recalled in a post-retirement lecture. 'I should also audition for the great Swiss pianist Edwin Fischer, which I did the following year. Three of his masterclasses that I attended during the Lucerne festivals made an impact that lasts to this day."
While Brendel was especially celebrated for his Beethoven, he recorded the complete 32 sonatas three separate times and performed them in an unforgettable month-long Carnegie Hall residency in 1983, his interpretations of Mozart, Schubert, Haydn, and Liszt also earned deep admiration. The Associated Press once wrote of his performances, 'With winks to the audience and demonstrative hand movements, he has a playful manner that offsets his serious, contemplative interpretations."
His final public performance took place with the Vienna Philharmonic in 2008 at the Musikverein, a poetic closing note to a career that spanned over 60 years. Reflecting on his artistic journey, he said, 'I was a young person who in the early 20s did not think I have to achieve something within five years but I thought I would like to be able to do certain things when I'm 50. And when I was 50 I said to myself I have actually done most of the things I want to do."
Beyond the stage, Brendel carved a parallel life as a thinker and writer. His passion for literature culminated in books like Cursing Bagels, a collection of poetry. 'I used to live a double life," he told Verbier in 2012. 'I'm also a literary person lecturing, giving readings of my poems and teaching."
Brendel had lived in London since 1971. Despite receiving 10 Grammy nominations, he never took home the trophy.
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Alfred Brendel, World-Famous Pianist Known For Beethoven, Dies At 94
Born in Wiesenberg, northern Moravia (now in the Czech Republic), on January 5, 1931, Brendel's formal education in music began in Zagreb with Sofia Dezelic, continued at the Graz Conservatory under Ludovika von Kaan, and included composition studies with Artur Michl. But even that path was interrupted as he and his mother were forced to flee during the Russian invasion in World War II. At 17, encouraged by his teacher to forge his own path, Brendel gave his debut recital in Graz in 1948. 'When I turned 16, my piano teacher told me I should now continue on my own and give a first public recital," he later recalled in a post-retirement lecture. 'I should also audition for the great Swiss pianist Edwin Fischer, which I did the following year. Three of his masterclasses that I attended during the Lucerne festivals made an impact that lasts to this day." While Brendel was especially celebrated for his Beethoven, he recorded the complete 32 sonatas three separate times and performed them in an unforgettable month-long Carnegie Hall residency in 1983, his interpretations of Mozart, Schubert, Haydn, and Liszt also earned deep admiration. The Associated Press once wrote of his performances, 'With winks to the audience and demonstrative hand movements, he has a playful manner that offsets his serious, contemplative interpretations." His final public performance took place with the Vienna Philharmonic in 2008 at the Musikverein, a poetic closing note to a career that spanned over 60 years. Reflecting on his artistic journey, he said, 'I was a young person who in the early 20s did not think I have to achieve something within five years but I thought I would like to be able to do certain things when I'm 50. And when I was 50 I said to myself I have actually done most of the things I want to do." Beyond the stage, Brendel carved a parallel life as a thinker and writer. His passion for literature culminated in books like Cursing Bagels, a collection of poetry. 'I used to live a double life," he told Verbier in 2012. 'I'm also a literary person lecturing, giving readings of my poems and teaching." Brendel had lived in London since 1971. Despite receiving 10 Grammy nominations, he never took home the trophy.
