Introduction to Alfred Brendel
Alfred Brendel, the renowned pianist and author, passed away quietly in his London home on Tuesday at the age of 94. Born on January 5, 1931, in what is now the Czech Republic, Brendel’s upbringing was a unique blend of German, Austrian, Italian, and Slavic heritage. He spent his formative years on the Adriatic coast in present-day Croatia, attending school in Zagreb before studying at the conservatory in Graz, Austria. In 1950, he moved to Vienna, a city that would remain his home until his death.
Early Life and Career
Brendel’s musical journey began in the aftermath of World War II, with his first concert at the age of 17. A year later, he won the prestigious Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition in Italy, marking the beginning of a distinguished career. His approach to music and life was shaped by his experiences during the war, leading him to embrace a cosmopolitan lifestyle. As he once stated, "I’m not someone looking for roots. I want to be as cosmopolitan as possible. I prefer to be a paid guest. This is a lesson in the war."
Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Brendel received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music. He was awarded three honorary doctorates from the universities of London, Oxford, and Yale, and received prestigious prizes such as the Ernst von Siemens and Herbert von Karajan Awards. In 1989, he was appointed an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his outstanding services to music in Great Britain. He also received the Legion d’Honneur in 2004 and the highest rank in the Order of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2007.
Literary Pursuits
In addition to his musical talents, Brendel was a prolific writer, publishing numerous poems, essays, and books. His literary works include "Music, Sense and Nonsense," which was published in 2015. Brendel believed that writing was an essential part of his creative expression, stating, "I not only had to read, but also to write." He also explored visual arts, finding inspiration in cinema, theater, and museum exhibitions.
Philosopher at the Piano
Brendel’s playing style was characterized by ease, serenity, and a deep understanding of the music. Critics often praised his minimalist approach, which was accompanied by a dose of modesty. He was not merely a passive interpreter of the composer’s commands but rather an active participant in the creative process. As he once said, "I often feel like a character actor," implying that he sought to bring his own unique perspective to the music.
Musical Influences
Brendel’s musical influences were diverse, but he had a special affinity for certain composers. He was particularly fond of Ludwig van Beethoven, Schubert, Haydn, Mozart, Liszt, Busoni, and Brahms. In the 1960s, he became the first pianist to record the complete works of Beethoven, a feat that earned him widespread acclaim. His expansive repertoire and mastery of various styles have left an indelible mark on generations of musicians and music lovers.
A Few Selected Composers
While Brendel’s repertoire was vast, he had a special fondness for certain composers. He believed that focusing on a select few allowed him to delve deeper into their works and uncover new nuances. As he explained, "If they play the right parts, those with whom it is worth living will become strengths that always radiate new energy and regenerate the powers of the actor."
One Last Act
Brendel bid farewell to his 60-year concert career in 2008, with a final performance at the Vienna Philharmonic. Although he suffered from acute hearing loss shortly after, he continued to engage with music, giving lectures, reading from his books, and holding master classes for young pianists and string quartets. Throughout his life, Brendel maintained his signature wit and humor, once quipping, "If you had to hear Verdi in paradise continuously, I would ask for vacation and the occasional visit to hell."
