The marvelous Brazilian pianist, Nelson Freire, has died. He has been among the most admired pianists on the planet for 60 years.
I own a handful of his discs and consider them must haves of the repertoire.
It starts with Brahms OP5, the magnificent sonata #3. Nelson’s recording in 2017 on Decca has outstanding sound and his interpretation rivals any recorded.
Next in line is Chopin’s Sonata #2 with the regal funeral march, recorded on Decca in 2005.
This masterful version pushes all the right buttons for me.
Then there are the Brahms piano concertos in a double CD, recorded on Decca in 2006 with Riccardo Chailly and the Gewandhausorchestra.
All of these recordings hit “gold standard” achievement awards.