Pianist Brendel concludes career with concert in Vienna

Dec 19, 2008, 10:14 GMT

Vienna - Alfred Brendel, considered one of the most famous pianists, ended his career Thursday evening to standing ovations, after playing his last concert in Vienna's Musikverein concert hall.

Together with the Vienna Philharmonics conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras, the 77-year-old Austrian musician performed Mozart's piano concerto No. 9, 'in his usual unpretentious, humble manner, without airs and graces,' Austrian news agency APA wrote.

Brendel started performing in 1948 and is known as the first pianist to have recorded Beethoven's complete piano works.

The artist, who moved to Britain in the 1970s, also contributed to lifting Schubert's piano sonatas from obscurity.

Born in former Czechoslovakia, Brendel started playing as a 6-year-old but did not receive any formal training after the age of 16, when he ended his studies at the conservatory in the Austrian town of Graz.

In an interview with the Vienna weekly Der Falter published this week, Brendel said he built his career slowly.

'At 25, I didn't think I had to be famous within three to five years,' he said.

'I didn't want to stop when it's too late, but before that,' Brendel said regarding his decision to retire.

After playing two encores for the enthusiastic Vienna audience, Brendel stepped down from the concert stage for good.