Nelson Freire †

Born in Brazil in 1944, Nelson Freire was a child prodigy who gave his first recital at the age of five. After studying with Nise Obino and Lucia Branco (a pupil of a disciple of Liszt), he won the International Rio de Janeiro Competition at twelve. His international career, launched in 1959, led him to perform with the world’s greatest conductors—from Pierre Boulez to Riccardo Chailly—and with top orchestras including the Berlin Philharmonic, London Symphony, Amsterdam Concertgebouw, and major ensembles in New York, Chicago, and Paris.

His name remains forever linked to his lifelong friend Martha Argerich, with whom he formed one of the most legendary and symbiotic piano duos in history. An exclusive DECCA artist, his monumental discography earned numerous awards (Edison Prize, Diapason d’Or, Grammy Awards). Celebrated in France, he was named “Soloist of the Year” at the Victoires de la Musique, received a lifetime achievement award, and was made a Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur.

Yet beyond the acclaimed musician, it was his stage presence that left an unforgettable mark. Gifted with a sound of rare warmth and nobility, his playing seemed to reach a poetic truth that suspended time. His humility and charisma created such a deep bond with his audience that it was not uncommon to hear, upon leaving his concerts: “We just didn’t want to leave.”

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