Yesterday we said goodbye to Alfred Brendel (1931–2024) — a towering figure of 20th- and 21st-century pianism. As a tribute; short excerpt from one of his masterclasses on Beethoven’s sonatas, where he so generously shared his knowledge, insight, and deeply human presence. He was a philosopher of sound, a poet of silence, and above all — a master of deep interpretation. His performances of the Beethoven sonatas shaped the musical thinking of generations. Thank you, Maestro. Your artistry and wis

2026 marks 95 years since the birth of Alfred Brendel (1931–2025). Renowned for his brilliant intellect and interpretative insight, Brendel is celebrated for his performances of Schubert, Beethoven and Liszt. He made three recordings of Beethoven’s 32 piano sonatas and was the first pianist to record Beethoven’s complete works for solo piano, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire musicians and listeners alike. | Decca Classics