At the age of 69, Alfred Brendel has discovered Mozart. And one that is only partly true. The pianist has always played the concertos and is especially pleased with his recent recordings with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Nevertheless, Brendel is full of the excitement of discovering Mozart's sonatas, which have eluded him for the best part of 60 years. He beams a huge smile.
Some soloists relax a little as they approach old age.
Brendel is hardly easing up, though it cannot be for want of laurels on which to rest. Last year saw him performing in 53 towns and cities - from Tokyo to Minnesota, from New York, New York to Plush, Dorset. Eight years ago we could not have had this conversation. I went to see several doctors, physiotherapists, chiropractors and got more and more desperate because they did not seem to know what they were talking about, until about a year later I found a doctor in Munich who specialises in sports injuries. He seems to have helped me.