The conductor first heard Brendel as a schoolboy. He was to become his cherished friend, inspirational collaborator and valued mentor for many decades. Simon Rattle remembers the great pianist’s wit, wisdom – and a particular pair of scissors

With little formal training but full of ideas, he focused on the core classical composers, winning over audiences (though not every critic) worldwide.

As the musical world mourns the celebrated pianist, we assess his wide recording legacy and pick the 12 best, from Russian rarities to quickfire Beethoven