Brendel Finally Gives up

[leonidas]

https://www.chicagotribune.com/services/newspaper/printedition/saturday/chi-pianist_personalsnov17,0,5957176.story

At long last?

[zheer]

  Thats not giving up.

[leonidas]

  Thats not giving up.

What is it?

[thalbergmad]

Indeed he has given up as he cannot cope with modern sticking plasters.

Tis a sad day for all us listeners and the Directors of Elastoplast.

Thal

[zheer]

What is it?

  Retiring.

[allthumbs]

https://www.chicagotribune.com/services/newspaper/printedition/saturday/chi-pianist_personalsnov17,0,5957176.story

At long last?

I have a sense of sarcasm in reading your subject line. Perhaps after performing for 60 years, you would have an idea of what it takes to have started and completed such a journey. Whatever you think of his playing, he deserves respect and admiration to have survived in a competitive and often lonely profession such as that of a concert pianist.

Perhaps we'll see you on the concert stage?


Cheers

allthumbs

[zheer]

  Here is Brendel playing Shubert, very touching.

   https://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=GkX4MyDeIqI

[cygnusdei]

Slightly off-topic - but how much does a concert pianist's career depend on his/her agent?

[retrouvailles]

I know I won't be missing Brendel. None of his recordings were "amazing" to me, even when he was younger. They were all decent or acceptable at best.

[Kassaa]

LOL

there's one brilliant reply there on that vid:

THIS HAS THE NOSTALGIC QUALITIES OF A PRE-MENOPAUSAL RHINO IN HEAT...  REFLECTING ON WHETHER SHE SHOULD TRY TO CORRAL THAT GROUP OF PROZAC-LADEN SHEEP...over in the glen on their 1st Buddhist meditation retreat.

Anyway, I'll probably try to get a ticket for his recital here in june, boring as it will be, just to say I have seen him live.

[zheer]

, boring as it will be,

 
  Sorry but this is getting funny,a number of people have described him as boring,including critics.

[retrouvailles]

 
  Sorry but this is getting funy,a number of people have described him as boring,including critics.

Well, perhaps they are correct.

[ramseytheii]

A living legend!  His VoxBox recording of the Beethoven sonatas (I think from the 60's) still contains many of my favorite piano recordings (esp. Pathetique sonata).  His live playing could be without compare, especially in Haydn sonatas and Mozart concerti.  He has been such a fixture for such a long time, it is hard to believe he won't be around anymore!  But in many ways I am glad.  In places like Chicago, they get the same damn pianists, over and over again.  It is time for new people to come and play.

Walter Ramsey

[dmc]

I only own one or two of his CDs but I enjoy listening to them.  I may buy others if I see something that intrigues me.  I thought he was a fairly accomplished performer.  But so many folks here appear to think otherwise along with some "knowledgeable" critics.   So what do I know....?   

Anyways, the article only says he's retiring from performing not recording so I assume he will be heard from again (much to the chagrin of some of you.... ).

[sharon_f]

A living legend!  His VoxBox recording of the Beethoven sonatas (I think from the 60's) still contains many of my favorite piano recordings (esp. Pathetique sonata). 

That set is still my favorite traversal of the 32.

[Kassaa]

His overinterpretes pieces, plays them rather sloppy and without any excitement. Best example I can think of now is the largo e mesto of Beethoven Sonata 10/3, just so exaggerated, ridiculous voicing and just boring playing. (his 1976 rec of the sonata)

[m]

Brendull Finally Gives up

He does not finally give up. He just stops performing publicly.

[lazlo]

I like his recordings a lot. He isn't a flashy player, or a particularly virtuosic player (he had very little formal training throughout his life and is mostly self-taught). But man, I can't think of any player that's more sensitive and aware of the music today. He doesn't try to show off, he just plays the way he wants. And he has so many really original interpretations. Can't say i agree with them, and originality isn't always good, but I respect him a lot for making me see new things in the music I love... I find myself thinking "I hadn't thought of that before..." So yeah. And the concert circuit is incredibly difficult just as a sidenote, and he's not giving up at all. He's recorded the complete beethoven piano sonatas 3 times I think... Anyone here done that?? Not to mention his other rep, even though he has one of the smallest reps of professional concert pianists.

[zheer]

, even though he has one of the smallest reps of professional concert pianists.

  Does he, the complete works of Beethoven,shubert and possibly Mozart, It aint that small.

[ramseytheii]

Yeah, Brendel plays the complete Mozart concerti, many sonatas and variations, the complete Beethoven concerti, complete Beethoven sonatas and variations, most of the Haydn sonatas (might as well be complete), the complete Schubert solo repertoire, works of Schoenberg, Bach, Chopin, Liszt, Schumann, Busoni, Weber, Brahms, am I leaving any out?  This does not even include chamber music.  His repertoire is huge compared with Kissin, who just plays in one year, one program.  Brendel could probably put together dozens of programs at any given time.

Walter Ramsey

[jakev2.0]

Below Average Technique + Above Average Head-Exploding German Pomposity - Sense of Humour = Brendel

[retrouvailles]

Below Average Technique + Above Average Head-Exploding German Pomposity - Sense of Humour = Brendel

Hahahaha.

[rc]

I haven't explored Brendel's output too much, but his last set of middle and late LVB sonatas did a good enough job to lead me to taking up piano.

I remember hearing an interview where he was talking about how he takes an active role in the production of the recording process.  I used to think of 'studio magic' as cheating, but after a microphone clinic earlier in the year I have nothing but respect for good production and engineering.

[cygnusdei]

For some reason I think Uchida is following Brendel's footsteps with her repertoire, with Chopin (early), Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, and Schoenberg. A Liszt offering should be imminent for Uchida.

[quantum]

I have one of the complete 32 recordings.  So much insight into the music, not just flash and bash.

[Kassaa]

Yes and heso hard tries to show he has that insight and that's simply flashy in an other way. LOOK AT ME I'M INTELLECTUAL.

If a piece is like a mountain: Perahia and Brendel describe the mountain for you and give you statistics about the mountain, while real musicians like Sokolov let you climb the mountain and let you feel the wind on the top, the harsh snowstorms and the beautiful sight when they play.

[retrouvailles]

If a piece is like a mountain: Perahia and Brendel describe the mountain for you and give you statistics about the mountain, while real musicians like Sokolov let you climb the mountain and let you feel the wind on the top, the harsh snowstorms and the beautiful sight when they play.

I couldn't have said it better myself. Well done.

[lazlo]

I'm surprised at how narrow minded people are here. There are DIFFERENT appraoches to music. There isn't one correct way to look at and interpret music. So his was a more intellectual one. There's still a lot of value in that. This is just such a pointless flame post againt a really accomplished musician... and it hurts me. Not even that its brendel (whom I respect a lot), but just the piano snobbery of this community having this constant need to tear down top musicians. I don't even know why I bother with a response...

[Lebenssturme]

I'm surprised at how narrow minded people are here. There are DIFFERENT appraoches to music. There isn't one correct way to look at and interpret music. So his was a more intellectual one. There's still a lot of value in that. This is just such a pointless flame post againt a really accomplished musician... and it hurts me. Not even that its brendel (whom I respect a lot), but just the piano snobbery of this community having this constant need to tear down top musicians. I don't even know why I bother with a response...

I agree.

[rene_ceballos]

Well, it's sad news on one side. Brendel is a fine artist, with dozens of musical achievements. The good news is, he's going to be more appreciated after retirement, as many others.

I also first knew his performances thru Beethoven sonatas, and as with any other artist it's a mixed bag: some I don't like, some I didn't like but now I do, some others I love.

Is he as good as Richter, Horowitz, Argerich, Lang Lang, your-fave-here? Who cares. All I know is he deserves all my respect. I wish I could make it to the Dec performance.

[leonidas]

Lang Lang has alot more talent.

[Lebenssturme]

How is it possible that you say that you dont like Alfred Brendel and that Lang Lang is good?? How is that possible??
Lang Lang has on his biography that he appeared in many magazines like women magazines! What is   that??
humpf...

[cloches_de_geneve]

Perahia and Brendel describe the mountain for you and give you statistics about the mountain, while real musicians like Sokolov let you climb the mountain and let you feel the wind on the top, the harsh snowstorms and the beautiful sight when they play.

A total exageration; but after having heard Sokolov on records, radio, and in concert I have to admit that he is the best around today.

[dmc]

Lang Lang has alot more talent.

Based on what ?  How does one quantify talent at the level that Brendel & Lang Lang perform at ?   Its fine to disagree with Brendel's approaches/interpretations.  But to start a thread that trashes him for being successful (for that is really what this is about) is mere petty jealousy.   If thats how you feel, let it go.  No one is forcing you to buy his CDs or attend his concerts.

[quantum]

There are many other placeless where you can find snow, wind and beautiful conditions other than a mountain.  What Brendel and Perahia are doing is describing the context of the beauty in immense detail. 

BTW I love Perahia's playing. 

[leonidas]

Based on what ?  How does one quantify talent at the level that Brendel & Lang Lang perform at ?   Its fine to disagree with Brendel's approaches/interpretations.  But to start a thread that trashes him for being successful (for that is really what this is about) is mere petty jealousy.   If thats how you feel, let it go.  No one is forcing you to buy his CDs or attend his concerts.

Ok, subjective statement, but Brendel has always had inferior technical ability and a less 'natural' approach to music.

Pretentious intellectualism *generally* indicates a lack of natural talent.

[lazlo]

less 'natural' approach to music.

And please with your infinite wisdom tell us all what the "natural approach" is.... And just because someone is intellectual does not make them by default pretentious. And just because someone isn't a virtuoso in a traditional sense also doesn't make that person pretentious. It isn't WHAT you play, but HOW you play it. And who are you to classify a musician of whom you know nothing about as not having "natural talent"... Again, when you insist on demeaning any musician, you have to be specific. You can't just vaguely throw out that they didn't have natural talent, or that they're pretentious. Leonidas, you need to think through this stuff. Maybe you have, but it doesn't show when you throw out vague but harsh criticism to a really talented musician. Whether or not you like his style, or agree with his interpretations is up to you, but show a little respect.

[leonidas]

I simply do not respect him much at all.

I like his playing sometimes, but the reason I don't think this is a subjective response is because I fundamentally think his approach is wrong.

His influence is dangerous.

[dmc]

BTW I love Perahia's playing.

Absolutely.  He's fabulous !

Pretentious intellectualism *generally* indicates a lack of natural talent.

Indeed.  But your sanctimonius judgements about Brendel's talent/technique are pretentious intellectualism as well.  You sound like some arrogant know-it-all critic writing an obnoxious review in the local newspaper after a performance.  If he's dangerous, well I'll take my chances listening to him.  I'm sure I'll be fine because I don't have aspirations of taking over the classical world given my own meager limitations.

BTW, if Brendel lacks "natural talent", then kudos off to him for making a lifetime career out of performing & recording classical music. Or is talent not necessary for that ?

[cygnusdei]

I think he already succeeded in generating buzz by announcing his retirement ... hehehe
Is he emulating Barbra Streisand and her farewell tours?

I have some of his Vox recordings - naysayers should listen to his Wanderer Fantasy. That's magic that even he couldn't recapture in his later Philips recording. Too bad the recording suffers from poor sonic (from the 60's).

I think I have more respect for Brendel than Perahia, Arrau, or Serkin.

[steinwaymodeld]

now fellas fellas, let's not fight over this.

Lang Lang and Brendull are zheeyaty in their own rights, in a very different way.
As someone before me so delicately put it, (sheeyaty) music has different approach, so they must suck in their own delightful ways.

O and, Congrats to the world, even though it took him more than 60 years too long to figure this one out.

Now for he to quit playing piano, he can concentrate on some other hobbies of his with the same intensity equivalent to his playing. Like knitting and crossword puzzles.

[leonidas]

BTW, if Brendel lacks "natural talent", then kudos off to him for making a lifetime career out of performing & recording classical music. Or is talent not necessary for that ?

I was simply saying he's not 'especially' talented.

Check out some of his writings on music, and especially some of his quotations.

The hilariously arrogant thing is, he pretentiously imposes none of his own ego and ideas in any performance, claiming it is in service of the composer.

Oops, he forgot to realise some of us are smart enough to notice he can't think enough for himself so plays the score literally, without personal inspiration, and makes a career out of it.

[zheer]

I was simply saying he's not 'especially' talented.

Check out some of his writings on music, and especially some of his quotations.

  He is very talented, what he can't do is play Russian music,he lacks the passion and fire that is needed for Rachmaninoff,cuz he plays more from his mind than he does from his heart.However whatever else he does play ,is always very good.

    His writing on music is fascinating and very complex even philosophical.

[Kassaa]

  He is very talented, what he can't do is play Russian music,he lacks the passion and fire that is needed for Rachmaninoff,cuz he plays more from his mind than he does from his heart.However whatever else he does play ,is always very good.

    His writing on music is fascinating and very complex even philosophical.

He lacks the same passion and fire needed for Beethoven.

[ramseytheii]

Pretentious intellectualism *generally* indicates a lack of natural talent.

 

There are so many great ways to respond to that I don't even know where to begin.  Thanks for the freebie!

Walter Ramsey

[claude_debussy]

Sorry to hear this news.

Brendel is a great artist, one of the greatest of our era.  A patrician, he chooses not to show off or bring attention to himself, preferring instead to disappear into the composer and the work to offer it without distortion or his own 'interpretation.'  True humility and devotion to the art. 

His earlier "Wanderer" and Schubert Impromptu recordings (on Vox) have never been equaled, and this music is among the subtlest challenges for any mere 'pianist.'   

It's disappointing that the discussion here reflects a lack of serious listening. 

Peace,

CD

Ps .. and of course Brendel can play Russian music - check his recording of "3 Dances from Petrouchka" in the composer's version, never performed by its dedicatee Artur Rubinstein, who preferred to avoid its terrifying difficulties.

 

[Kassaa]

His earlier "Wanderer" and Schubert Impromptu recordings (on Vox) have never been equaled, and this music is among the subtlest challenges for any mere 'pianist.'   

It's disappointing that the discussion here reflects a lack of serious listening. 

Peace,

CD

Ps .. and of course Brendel can play Russian music - check his recording of "3 Dances from Petrouchka" in the composer's version, never performed by its dedicatee Artur Rubinstein, who preferred to avoid its terrifying difficulties.

 

Ok I have to cut the crap out of this one. There's this dude called 'Richter' who also played the Wanderer, and did it a lot more interesting than Brendel.

Brendel is a wannabe-intellectual who lacks any creativity in a performance, hoping he can achieve greatness by playing everything so literally so that it becomes profound. He's like a singer with an ugly voice who tries to sing every word as loud as possible and pronounce it as clear as possibly. Pity it's still ugly..!


And:

Rubinstein never recorded these Trois Mouvements de Petrouchka, though accounts of his many live performances of the piece testify to his close sympathy with the music.

so...

[cloches_de_geneve]

Brendel was a great virtuoso. In the 1950 he recorded many of Liszts opera pharaphrases, etudes, Balakirev's Islamey, Busoni, etc... it's all great manually, and you can listen to it all on vox -- anytime!

Then, he decided to focus on a different repertoire. Which doesn't mean he couldn't readily manage the standard virtouso repertoire. In his books he explains why he did not play Rachmaninoff (nor Chopin).

Is he dry, dull, academic?! I have some of the most ecstatic Schubert recordings by him. I really do not understand what many people talk about here. Are we speaking about the same Brendel?

[ramseytheii]

Ok I have to cut the crap out of this one. There's this dude called 'Richter' who also played the Wanderer, and did it a lot more interesting than Brendel.

Brendel is a wannabe-intellectual who lacks any creativity in a performance, hoping he can achieve greatness by playing everything so literally so that it becomes profound. He's like a singer with an ugly voice who tries to sing every word as loud as possible and pronounce it as clear as possibly. Pity it's still ugly..!


And:
so...

People should try and remain calm, because the more worked up they get on this topic the more they contradict themselves.  The way you describe Brendel, is actually the perfect description (minus the petty and ineffective insult) of Richter's approach.  Richter's approach was an absolutist one: only to play what was written on the page, nothing more, and nothing less.  Richter said that in his own words, in fact. 

And Brendel's words? "...a phrase of Novalis that I'm always quoting: 'Chaos, in a work of art, should shimmer through the veil of order.'  I am very much for chaos..."

Brendel has critiqued Richter's absolutist standpoint with regards to the written page, and described it as a point of view "typical of the 1950's."

If you bother to listen to Brendel's recordings, instead of spouting on about your resentment of so-called 'intellectuals,' revealing your own ignorance in the process, you will find that even in the most studied of them (which we know to be the Beethoven sonatas) they are always creative and never locked to the score.  They simply aren't literal translations in the way that Richter's performances are.  Some of those performances worked for Richter and some didn't; the same can surely be said of Alfred Brendel.  Of whom can that not be said?

Cheers,
Walter Ramsey

[lazlo]

I feel like I'm arguing with a 12 year old here on this topic... Trying to convince Leonidas that just because you disagree with someone or something, doesn't mean that you are automatically right, and that they can't possibly be good.  You are allowed to disagree with how someone approaches something, and still have respect for their process and their success.