Nelson Freire was among the most admired pianists of his generation, having played with the leading orchestras and conductors in the most prestigious recital halls and in collaboration with the finest violinists, cellists, and fellow pianists. His American debut came in 1970 when he played Rachmaninov's Fourth Piano Concerto with the New York Philharmonic under Rudolf Kempe, a conductor with whom he made several successful tours. He turned to piano duo repertory, often appearing and recording with Martha Argerich. Freire also collaborated with violinist Gidon Kremer and cellist Mischa Maisky, and he remained active in the new century both as a soloist and duo player. In 2019, Freire issued an album of encores on Decca. Freire died on November 1, 2021, in Rio de Janeiro, at the age of 77.