He began playing on the streets of his native Cuba at age 12, and became one of the most technically accomplished and versatile trumpet players of his time.

Though he died young, leaving behind only four years worth of recordings, he was a major influence on later jazz trumpet players, including Freddie Hubbard and Lee Morgan.

Despite his early interest in Richard Strauss and Wagner, Absil wrote numerous chamber works, often employing polymodal and polyphonic language.

His performances were hailed for their technical proficiency and creativity, setting a new standard for jazz piano virtuosity.

Best known for his performances of works by Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert, the Austrian pianist was part of the so-called “Viennese Troika.”