Remembering Alfred Brendel, 1931—2025 (June 20, 2025)

From left to right: The great Alfred Brendel. His last interview; a wonderful sense of humor; a brilliant performance of a simple work, “Für Elise”; a performance of Liszt’s “Au lac du Wallenstadt" from Années de Pélerinage.

I was first introduced to the work of the late Afred Brendel by Mr. Cosmo.  Given the fact that he had retired while I was still very young, I did not have an opportunity to hear him live.  His many recordings however are lessons in interpretation, as well as the power of simplicity and balance.

For example, listening to him perform the Schubert Piano No. 21 in B-flat major, D. 960, I can’t help but remember something Mr. Cosmo told me Beethoven said: “The rests are as important as the notes.”  I always study how to use rests to better capture the hearts of the audience, and in this and many other regards, Brendel is very inspiring and wonderful.

In terms of balance, I find his sound both beautiful and warm. Further, what he conveys without being exaggerated in any way is amazing. There are people who talk very calmly and without any exaggerated gestures, but who speak deeply to the soul. I think Brendel's performances are like that too. You are drawn in immediately after listening for even a little bit, even with a piece as simple as “Für Elise.”

There is another fact Mr. Cosmo shared which I find very interesting, and that is the fact Brendel was largely self-taught. I think that’s so great, as it is truly his own soul that speaks through all of his interpretations.