Claudio Arrau: Chile’s Pride
As a child prodigy, this pianist was an accomplished musician from his very youngest years and would become a renowned Beethoven interpreter.
Chilean born Claudio Arrau forged a musical career that lasted for more than 80 years. He started out with his debut concert at the age of five years and continued to perform until his death when he was 88.
Beethoven’s works formed an essential part of Arrau’s repertoire, and he repeatedly recorded many of his compositions. All of these recordings are regarded as first-class interpretations to this day.
The pianist came from an aristocratic family with Scottish heritage, and after receiving a scholarship from the Chilean government, Arrau travelled to Berlin to study at the renowned Stern Conservatory. During his formative years in Berlin he was able to listen live to some of the most famed pianists of his time, including Ferruccio Busoni, influencing him for the rest of his career.
Enjoy some highlights from this wonderfully gifted musician!
The piano oeuvre of Franz Liszt was another highlight in Arrau’s repertory, and his recordings were highly praised. Arrau never limited his repertoire to specific composers, because he thought and said that a pianist who excludes any music from his interest and repertoire is not a just musician.
Robert Schumann: Fantasia for Piano in C major, Op. 17 (Claudio Arrau (piano), 1960)
French writer Julien Green once said that Arrau was the greatest interpreter of Schumann’s compositions.
Claude Debussy: Pour le piano (Claudio Arrau (piano), 1949)
The music of impressionist Claude Debussy was another favorite of Claudio Arrau, and he earned enthusiastic reviews for his concerts and recordings of this music.
Arnold Schönberg: Klavierstücke, Op. 11 (Claudio Arrau (piano), 1959)
This is another colour in Arrau’s repertory. He recorded relatively little contemporary music, but played it in many of his concerts.
A legendary recording that was awarded several international prizes.
