Nelson Freire 1944–2021
A virtuoso and a true poet of the keyboard in one, Brazilian pianist Nelson Freire was one of the greatest talents of his generation but avoided the limelight throughout his long career. A long-time collaborator and friend of Martha Argerich, Freire made a series of superb studio recording for Decca in the final two decades of his life – characterised by remarkable technical control allied to impeccable musicianship – while his early recordings, several of them live radio broadcasts, show the fiery musical personality of the young virtuoso.