Pierre-Laurent Aimard – ‘one of the most essential keyboard advocates of our era’ (The Guardian) – enjoyed a close professional partnership and friendship with pianist and composer Alfred Brendel. In the third of our Brendel tribute recitals, he offers a characteristically imaginative programme of works close to both their hearts.  

Brendel had a particular fondness for Franz Schubert. Aimard performs some of Schubert’s shorter lyrical works alongside finely crafted miniatures by his own long-term collaborator György Kurtág – himself a Schubert devotee. 

Aimard has also chosen a selection of Ludwig van Beethoven’s alternately witty and tender Bagatelles – another Brendel favourite. He juxtaposes them with a work by the composer who dubbed Aimard ‘the best pianist for me’ (The New York Times): György Ligeti’s inventive and virtuosic Musica ricercata. In Aimard's recent performance of works by Kurtág and Ligeti, The Telegraph described Brendel’s spirit as ‘smiling down on us’.  

Multibuy Offer

Elevate your August mornings. Buy tickets for three or more morning concerts at The Queen’s Hall and get 20% off. Excludes top price tickets (price bands A and J) and concessions.

What to expect at The Queen's Hall

Tune out the outside world and let morning recitals encircle you in rich concentration. This is the atmosphere where world-class chamber music thrives. 

Please ensure your phone is turned off during the performance. If you need help, please ask a friendly member of staff.

Part of our tribute to the late, great pianist Alfred Brendel.