Brazilian Nelson Freire, one of the most renowned pianists in the world, died early this Monday at his home in Rio de Janeiro at the age of 77, the local press reported.
The cause of his death was not disclosed, according to the main Brazilian newspapers, which cite the musician’s agent as a source.
Considered the greatest pianist in Brazil, Freire was especially noted for his interpretations of Chopin.
Child-prodigy who began playing at the age of three and performing in public at the age of five, Nelson Freire was born in Minas Gerais (southeastern Brazil) in 1944.
He built an international career that projected him as one of the best performers of his generation, especially in the romantic repertoire.
Shy, patient, thoughtful, Freire received several awards and was a soloist with the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony, the Vienna Symphony, as well as collaborating with conductors such as Pierre Boulez, Eugen Jochum, Lorin Maazel, Kurt Masur, and Andre Previn.
“He is one of the most exciting pianists of all time,” wrote Time magazine, after his first concert in New York.
At the end of 2019, he fractured his right arm when he fell while walking on the boardwalk in Rio de Janeiro and underwent surgery.
His return to the stage was scheduled for last year, but was postponed due to the covid pandemic.
He was a close friend of the famous Argentine pianist Martha Argerich, his partner on dozens of musical trips.
Freire had a house in Joatinga, a beach surrounded by mansions near Barra de Tijuca, in the western part of Rio.
Amelia Warner
Amelia Warner writes all the Latest Articles. She mostly covers Entertainment topics, but at times loves to write about movie reviews as well.
