The title of this collection of essays refers to a tailor’s mannequin that Alfred Brendel spotted in a shop window in Arezzo, a small Tuscan town. Who is this strange lady? What is she looking at? And why is she carrying an egg on her head? The mannequin now graces a room in the attic of Brendel’s house in Hampstead. Her features convey great artistic seriousness in combination with absurd comedy: the epitome of his own musical and literary preferences. And so, in his delightful new collection, great masters of nonsense meet great masters of music.

Edition available at:
» Faber
» Hanser (in German)

In this book, Alfred Brendel and Peter Gülke reflect on the practice of interpretation in a fascinating exchange of ideas and experiences, both by making reference to Schubert's and Beethoven's music and by discussing fundamental issues, such as the question of the relationship between faithfulness to the text and interpretation and the possibilities of speaking meaningfully about music, i.e. interpreting it linguistically.

Edition available at:
» Baerenreiter

From one of the world's best-loved pianists, comes a hugely insightful and enjoyable book for all piano lovers. Ever since Alfred Brendel bid farewell to the concert stage after six decades of performing, he has been passing on his insight and experience in the form of lectures, readings and master-classes. This reader for lovers of the piano distils his musical and linguistic eloquence and vast knowledge, and will prove invaluable to anyone with an interest in the technique, history and repertoire of the piano. Erudite, witty, enlightening and deeply personal, A Pianist's A to Z is the ideal book for all piano lovers, musicians and music aficionados: rarely has the instrument been described in such an entertaining and intelligent fashion.

Edition available at:
» Faber

Alfred Brendel is one of the greatest living pianists of our time, renowned for his masterly interpretations of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. Playing the Human Game is his first and most comprehensive collection of poems in English appearing alongside their original German versions. Brendel�s poetry presents a world of enchanting humour, music and madness, which has drawn praise from the playwright Harold Pinter and Former Poet Laureate Andrew Motion among many others. Containing over 200 poems, Playing the Human Game features many previously unpublished works, and is beautifully illustrated with artworks that have inspired Brendel and his poetry.

Edition available at:
» Phaidon

The definitive collection of Alfred Brendel's writings combines his two classic books, Musical thoughts and Afterthoughts and Music Sounded Out and also includes new, previously unpublished essays. Since the 1950's, Brendel has been one of the most prolific recording artists in the world. And here, in one volume of his best work, he brings the clarity and originality of expression that characterize his performances to the printed page. Whether discussing Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Liszt, Schoenberg, or other pianists, his reflections will prove invaluable to serious piano players and listeners alike.

He writes so well that it seems almost unfair in someone who plays as he does.

Everything he writes demonstrates the acuteness of his intelligence as well as the depth of his sensibility.

...a blending of the musical and human, historical and personal. It is what gives his writing, like his playing, its sense of excitement and commitment.

Edition available at:
» JR Books
» Amazon.com
» Amazon UK

A Poem

The Coughers of Cologne
have joined forces with Cologne Clappers
and established the Cough and Clap Society
a non-profit-making organization
whose aim it is
to guarantee each concertgoer's right
to cough and applaud
Attempts by unfeeling artists and impresarios
to question such privileges
have led to a Coughers and Clappers initiative
Members are required to applaud
immediately after sublime codas
and cough distinctly
during expressive silences
Distinct coughing is of paramount importance
to stifle or muffle it
forbidden on pain of expulsion
Coughers of outstanding tenacity
are awarded the Coughing Rhinemaiden
a handsome if slightly baroque appendage
to be worn around the neck
The C & C' recent merger
with the New York Sneezers
and the London Whistlers
raises high hopes
for Cologne's musical future.

by Alfred Brendel, taken from ONE FINGER TOO MANY
Faber Poetry Series

Available now at:
» Amazon.com
» Amazon UK