Pianist Alfred Brendel, who passed away in June, would have turned 95 on the evening of the marathon concert celebrating his life and artistry. The event was a testament to his legacy as both a brilliant musician and a poet with "mischievous minds," featuring a diverse repertoire that highlighted his passions.
The orchestra assembled for this tribute included Brendel's colleagues, proteges, and friends – all highly skilled musicians who had come together in response to Simon Rattle's masterful conducting. The performance was characterised by warm affection and enthusiastic energy as the musicians explored a range of classical works, beginning with Haydn's Representation of Chaos from his oratorio "The Creation."
A notable highlight came when the Takács Quartet joined forces with Brendel himself in Schubert's C major Quintet. This beautiful piece is one that evokes a sense of absence and acceptance – qualities which it conveyed powerfully through the music, particularly during its slow movement.
In between these classical highlights, there were numerous other musical encounters which showcased Brendel's own poetic voice, alongside his skill as a pianist. The poet Harriet Walter read from Brendel's poems, interspersed with short works by Ligeti and Kurtág. This sequence created an amusing contrast in atmosphere – between the lightness of the poetry and the darker undertones of the music.
The event also featured a military band playing two Marches to Fall Short of Victory by Mauricio Kagel, providing a surreal backdrop for Brendel's music. The evening culminated with Lewis delivering Beethoven's Piano Concerto No 3 in a tense performance that underscored the depth of emotion involved.
At its core, this concert was an ode to Brendel as both composer and performer – whose artistry has touched countless lives through his unique vision and intellectual curiosity.
The orchestra assembled for this tribute included Brendel's colleagues, proteges, and friends – all highly skilled musicians who had come together in response to Simon Rattle's masterful conducting. The performance was characterised by warm affection and enthusiastic energy as the musicians explored a range of classical works, beginning with Haydn's Representation of Chaos from his oratorio "The Creation."
A notable highlight came when the Takács Quartet joined forces with Brendel himself in Schubert's C major Quintet. This beautiful piece is one that evokes a sense of absence and acceptance – qualities which it conveyed powerfully through the music, particularly during its slow movement.
In between these classical highlights, there were numerous other musical encounters which showcased Brendel's own poetic voice, alongside his skill as a pianist. The poet Harriet Walter read from Brendel's poems, interspersed with short works by Ligeti and Kurtág. This sequence created an amusing contrast in atmosphere – between the lightness of the poetry and the darker undertones of the music.
The event also featured a military band playing two Marches to Fall Short of Victory by Mauricio Kagel, providing a surreal backdrop for Brendel's music. The evening culminated with Lewis delivering Beethoven's Piano Concerto No 3 in a tense performance that underscored the depth of emotion involved.
At its core, this concert was an ode to Brendel as both composer and performer – whose artistry has touched countless lives through his unique vision and intellectual curiosity.
just imagine all those talented musicians coming together to celebrate his life's work... it's amazing how his legacy continues to inspire new generations of music lovers 
i loved the mix of classical pieces, especially that gorgeous Schubert quintet - so emotive! 
and can you believe Brendel's own poetry was woven into the performance too? 
harriet walter's readings must've added this whole other dimension to the evening... anyway, one thing for sure: this concert will be etched in music fans' minds forever 
Just saw a vid of that marathon concert for Alfred Brendel 
... it's actually kinda sad thinking about him not being there to see his own tribute 
. I mean, 95 years old is no joke 
. The Takács Quartet playing with Brendel on Schubert's C major Quintet was breathtaking tho 
. Anyway, just a reminder that we're all running out of time 
... beethoven's Piano Concerto No 3 in C minor at its core is basically a funeral dirge for life's fleeting moments 
.
. And Harriet Walter reading his poems alongside those dark Ligeti/Ligeti pieces? Mind blown 
! I mean, can you imagine coming together with all the people who loved and admired him for a night of music that celebrated his life? It's truly beautiful 
And I love how they mixed it up with different genres and styles – it shows that his legacy is still all about creativity and self-expression 
And I'm curious, have you listened to Beethoven's Piano Concerto No 3 before? Lewis's performance sounded intense 
! alfred brendel would've been all about that piano life anyway 
. i think it's so cool how the orchestra brought together all these talented musicians to pay tribute to him - it's like they were sharing their own musical memories of working with him 
. anyway, just rememberin' brendel's legacy and how he touched so many lives through his art - what an inspiration! 
especially wen he performed w/ the takacs quartet in schubert's c major quintet 
it's amazing how Brendel's legacy lives on through his music & poetry 
. It makes me think about the value of our own creative pursuits and how they can shape who we are as individuals...
. I'm so grateful for the marathon concert that celebrated Alfred Brendel's life and artistry though - it was such a beautiful tribute to his legacy 
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. The Takács Quartet joined forces with him in Schubert's C major Quintet? Mind blown! 
That piece is like the ultimate symphony of feelings - it's so emotional and hauntingly beautiful. I'm not even a big fan of classical music, but that performance got me all chills 
. And can we talk about Harriet Walter's poetry reading? So poetic and artsy 
. The whole event was just a masterclass in celebrating Brendel's legacy - it felt so intimate and heartfelt 
It's like they're trying to prove who's got the most cultured credentials. I mean, Simon Rattle getting a masterful conducting gig on Brendel's concert is a bit too much, don't you think? It's like the establishment is trying to outclass itself. And what's with the poet Harriet Walter reading Brendel's poems alongside Ligeti and Kurtág? Is that supposed to be some kind of high art statement or just a way to pad out the event? 
On the other hand, I do think it's great that Brendel's legacy is being celebrated, but we need more events like this for people who aren't just about the classical stuff. Maybe something that brings together music, poetry, and everyday life? That would be a real tribute to Brendel's spirit of intellectual curiosity. 
. And can we talk about how awesome it is to see a poet like Harriet Walter reading from his own work? It's not often you get to hear someone's voice alongside their words 
. I'm literally getting emotional just thinking about it 
.
This marathon concert was like Brendel's life – a mix of elegance (Haydn's "The Creation") and utter chaos 
. And Harriet Walter's poetry interludes were the perfect counterbalance to all that sonic drama. It was like the whole thing was one big, loving tribute to Brendel's mischievous mind 
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