For many collectors in the 1960s, the budget priced Vox Turnabout LPs of the Beethoven Sonatas and Concertos were a revelation, and introduced an amazing young talent to the public.
Alfred Brendel was born in 1931 in Wiesenberg, and won the Concorso Busoni in 1949. He studied with Edwin Fischer, Paul Baumgartner and Edward Steuermann.
The Vox Beethoven recordings won the Grand Prix du Disque in 1965, and were praised by critics world-wide.
These early recordings illustrate clearly all the characteristics that would become a hallmark of Brendel’s playing.
A refusal to fall back on ‘flashy’ bravura, and the intellectual rigour he brings to the Beethoven sonatas marked him out even in these early recordings as one of the very great pianists of the 20th century. Brendel retired from the musical scene in 2009 at the height of his powers, leaving a recorded legacy without parallel in the music of Beethoven, Mozart and Schubert.
Avec son Triple concerto, Beethoven fait ce que personne n'avait osé faire avant lui. Trois solistes réunis en une seule œuvre à mi-chemin entre le concerto, la musique de chambre et la symphonie.
Composé en 1803, en même temps que la célèbre Symphonie Héroïque, il ouvre grand les portes du romantisme et de nouvelles planètes musicales.. — Deux solistes pour un concerto !
Brahms composa son Double Concerto en signe de réconciliation avec le violoniste József Joachim, dont il avait pris parti pour l’épouse lors de leur divorce. Le duo instrumental est un parfait témoin de cette amitié renouvelée. Jamais violon et violoncelle ne se jalousent ; là encore, ce serait presque de la musique de chambre dans un écrin symphonique..
Pianist András Schiff continues his remarkable Bach year with a visit to The Greene Space.
In what promises to be a brilliant and profound exploration of a composer who has long been central to Schiff's artistry, the pianist performed music by Bach and others, demonstrating the originality and impact of this singular creative genius.
Expect a riveting mixture of analysis, passion and wit. Hosted by WQXR's Jeff Spurgeon.
Executive Producer: Indira Etwaroo
Video Producer: David Mc Lean
Production Managers: Ricardo Fernandez - Nikki Johnson