The early recordings by Alfred Brendel (born 5 January 1931) always found the collectors’ special interest, as they mark the beginning of probably the longest career of one of the most important European pianists of the 20th century. It is therefore astonishing that attempts were made early on to conceal or even change the correct recording data on releases.

The productions documented on this 10-CD box - in particular the Beethoven Piano Sonatas and Variations - are based on the discographic information provided by Alfred Brendel himself. For that reason alone they should be considered authentic.

The Sonatas 2 to 14, which were not included here, were recorded by Brendel in December 1962 and January 1963, so that the recordings of all 32 sonatas were complete at his 32nd birthday. Brendel did not start out as a “Wunderkind”. In addition to music, philosophy, literature and painting were among the preferred areas of interest for this – also intellectually – exceptional artist, to whom the Universities of London, Oxford, Yale and Cologne, among others, awarded honorary doctorates.