Nelson Freire, born on October 18, 1944, in Boa Esperança, Brazil, and who passed away on November 1, 2021, was a Brazilian classical pianist renowned for his remarkable technique, profound interpretations, and the broad spectrum of his repertoire. Freire began playing the piano at the age of three and gave his first public performance at the age of five. His prodigious talent soon earned him numerous awards, including the prestigious International Dinu Lipatti Medal in London, 1964, and the First Prize at the International Vianna da Motta Competition in Lisbon, 1965. These accolades kickstarted a global career that saw him performing with the world's leading orchestras and conductors.

Throughout his illustrious career, Freire's discography highlighted his affinity with the Romantic composers, particularly Brahms, Chopin, and Schumann, but his musical curiosity also led him to explore compositions beyond this core repertoire, as seen in his recordings of works by Bach, Gluck, and Villa-Lobos. His album "Nelson Freire: Brahms" and the collection "Memories – The Unreleased Recordings 1970-2019" reveal not just the breadth of his interests but also the depth of his musical insight and the sensitivity of his touch. Whether performing the technically demanding "Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2" or interpreting the nuanced melodies of Chopin, Freire communicated with an emotional intensity that resonated deeply with audiences. His loss in 2021 left a void in the classical music world, but his recordings continue to testify to a remarkable legacy that transcends generations.

Genres

Brazilian Classical Piano

Classical Piano

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Latest Release

Freire plays Debussy & Ravel

Nelson Freire•

Claude Debussy•

Maurice Ravel

Album - 31 Tracks - Released June 14, 2024