For Alfred Brendel
One of my cherished pianists, Alfred Brendel, passed away a few days ago. He was 94.
Brendel’s music accompanied me through many of my formative years. In college I saved up just to acquire his complete recordings of Schubert’s piano works (CDs, anyone?), to the point I barely had any left for food. I can still recall his notes — alongside those of other greats like Wilhelm Backhaus, Glenn Gould, and Mitsuko Uchida — playing through my prized CD player in the dorms near the ocean. Rigorous and unshowy, yet full of warmth and depth.
One piece that has especially stayed with me is his recording of Beethoven’s 6 Bagatelles, Op. 126, particularly the first movement (Andante con moto).
Rest in peace, Alfred my friend, and thank you for your beautiful companionship all these years.
Obituaries: BBC (better) · The New York Times
Originally posted on LinkedIn.