In Memoriam: Alfred Brendel

The IMZ mourns the passing of Alfred Brendel, one of the most influential pianists and artist-intellectuals of the 20th and 21st centuries and a long-standing Honorary Member of our network.

Brendel’s artistry, intellect, and integrity shaped generations of musicians and music aficionados. His interpretations of Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert set enduring standards and continue to inspire audiences worldwide.

Beyond the concert hall, Brendel was a champion in bringing classical performance to the screen, making his work widely accessible through televised concerts, lectures, and interviews. His openness to audiovisual media played a vital role in raising the global profile of classical music: a mission that lies at the heart of the IMZ.

We honour Alfred Brendel’s legacy as an artist who combined depth with clarity, and tradition with innovation. His contributions to music and to our industry will not be forgotten.