Alfred Brendel's farewell concert in Vienna

Posters outside the Musikverein in Vienna Photograph: Alan Rusbridger

Brendel announced his retirement just over a year ago. The news raised some eyebrows because the 77-year-old pianist is widely considered to be at the peak of his powers Photograph: Dieter Nagl/Musikverein/EPA

Although based in London, Brendel chose to say farewell in Vienna's glittering Musikverein, 90 miles away from Graz, where he began his career. He has played in the hall more than 120 times Photograph: Dieter Nagl/Musikverein/EPA

His choice of repertoire was a peculiarly Brendel-ish joke: on the programme was Mozart's Piano Concerto No 9 in E flat, K271, nicknamed the Jeunehomme ('Young Man') Photograph: Dieter Nagl/Musikverein/EPA

Alongside him on the podium was conductor Charles Mackerras, a longtime collaborator Photograph: Alan Rusbridger

Also there on the night were some of Brendel's star pupils: (from left) Paul Lewis, Kit Armstrong, Imogen Cooper and Till Fellner Photograph: Alan Rusbridger

The rest is silence Photograph: Alan Rusbridger