Pianist Alfred Brendel's farewell concert in Vienna

# Alfred Brendel

# Classical music

19 December 2008: After more than 60 years in the spotlight, one of the world's greatest pianists, Alfred Brendel, said goodbye to his fans at an emotional farewell concert in Vienna last night
Gallery
Alfred Brendel's final concert
Posters outside the Musikverein in Vienna Photograph: Alan Rusbridger
Alfred Brendel
Brendel announced his retirement just over a year ago. The news raised some eyebrows because the 77-year-old pianist is widely considered to be at the peak of his powers Photograph: Dieter Nagl/Musikverein/EPA
Alfred Brendel
Although based in London, Brendel chose to say farewell in Vienna's glittering Musikverein, 90 miles away from Graz, where he began his career. He has played in the hall more than 120 times Photograph: Dieter Nagl/Musikverein/EPA
Alfred Brendel
His choice of repertoire was a peculiarly Brendel-ish joke: on the programme was Mozart's Piano Concerto No 9 in E flat, K271, nicknamed the Jeunehomme ('Young Man') Photograph: Dieter Nagl/Musikverein/EPA
Alfred Brendel
Alongside him on the podium was conductor Charles Mackerras, a longtime collaborator Photograph: Alan Rusbridger
Alfred Brendel
Also there on the night were some of Brendel's star pupils: (from left) Paul Lewis, Kit Armstrong, Imogen Cooper and Till Fellner Photograph: Alan Rusbridger
Alfred Brendel
The rest is silence Photograph: Alan Rusbridger

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