Album insights
Alfred Brendel's previously unreleased live recordings in Vienna feature masterpieces comprising Robert Schumann's Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54, and Johannes Brahms' Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel. In this second rendition of the Schumann concerto, Brendel expressed satisfaction upon hearing the Austrian Radio recording, stating it was exactly what he desired. The performance, conducted by Sir Simon Rattle with the Vienna Philharmonic, was captured during Brendel's 70th-anniversary celebration in Vienna. The recording also includes a thoughtful and witty introductory text written by Alfred Brendel.