Peter Brötzmann, legend of free jazz, dies at 82

Saxophonist heralded for his ferocious yet beautifully expressive playing died peacefully in his sleep at home in Germany

Peter Brotzmann, the saxophonist whose muscular and emancipated style of performance made him a central figure in European jazz, has died at 82.

The news was confirmed by his label, Trost, and his collaborator Heather Leigh, who said that he died peacefully in his sleep at home in Wuppertal, Germany, on Tuesday night.