Preview of Alfred Brendel masterclass (From The Oxford Times)

Preview of Alfred Brendel masterclass

3:04pm Wednesday 1st February 2012 in Music / Books By Simon Collings

Legendary pianist Alfred Brendel will be in Oxford this month for two events which may be the last opportunities we have to hear him play in public. Brendel, who is 81, retired from concert performances in 2008 and now rarely plays in public. He has said this will be the final lecture series at which he will perform.

Brendel will host a masterclass at the Holywell Music Room on February 15, during which he will work with a number of Oxford University’s most talented piano students. The class starts at 5.30pm and is expected to last about two hours. Tickets for this event are already sold out.

On February 24, he explores Liszt’s legacy in a lecture entitled Genius of Expression at the Sheldonian Theatre. The maestro will offer his personal view of the composer celebrated by his contemporaries as perhaps the greatest pianist of all time. This lecture will include complete performances of several pieces by Liszt, whose bicentenary was celebrated last October.

Brendel grew up in a non-musical family in Central Europe, had limited formal training in his early years and is largely self-taught. He regards his unconventional musical background as something of an advantage.

“A teacher can be too influential,” he has said. “Being self-taught, I learned to distrust anything I hadn’t figured out myself.”

He has written and lectured on music extensively and Lizst is one of the composers he particularly reveres. One of his early teachers was himself taught by a pupil of Lizst — though Brendel has dismissed the idea of a “handed down tradition”.

These two events, presented in association with the University of Oxford Faculty of Music, are a rare opportunity to hear a musical legend’s insights on classical music performance, its role in his life, and its impact on listeners.

To book call Music at Oxford on 01865 244806, or visit www.musicatoxford.com. Tickets are also available through Tickets Oxford at the Playhouse.