Alfred Brendel, the cerebral pianist with a dry wit, dies at 94

Routinely called a "musician's musician," the pianist had an atypical career that even he called mysterious. He spent it returning to a handful of favorite composers, with acclaimed results.

Jun 18, 2025 - 09:45
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Alfred Brendel, the cerebral pianist with a dry wit, dies at 94
Austrian pianist Alfred Brendel at the piano, circa 1970. He died Tuesday at his home in London at age 94.

Routinely called a "musician's musician," the pianist had an atypical career that even he called mysterious. He spent it returning to a handful of favorite composers, with acclaimed results.

(Image credit: Erich Auerbach)