Claudio Arrau - Great Pianists of the 20th Century II

Claudio Arrau (Artist), Beethoven (Artist), Chopin (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 9, 1999)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Philips
• ASIN: B00000I0LD
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #169,914 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Piano Sonata No. 21 In C, Op. 53 'Waldstein': 1. Allegro con brio

2. Piano Sonata No. 21 In C, Op. 53 'Waldstein': 2. Introduzione. Adagio molto - Rondo. Allegretto moderato - Prestissimo

3. Andante favori In F, WoO 57

4. Piano Concerto No. 5 In E Flat, Op. 73 'Emperor': 1. Allegro

5. Piano Concerto No. 5 In E Flat, Op. 73 'Emperor': 2. Adagio un poco mosso

6. Piano Concerto No. 5 In E Flat, Op. 73 'Emperor': 3. Rondo. Allegro

Disc: 2

1. Fantaisie In F Minor, Op. 49

2. Piano Sonata In B Minor, S. 178: Lento assai - Allegro energico

3. Piano Sonata In B Minor, S. 178: Grandioso - Recitativo-

4. Piano Sonata In B Minor, S. 178: Andante sostenuto-

5. Piano Sonata In B Minor, S. 178: Allegro energico - Andante sostenuto - Lento assai

6. Fantasie In C, Op. 17: Durchaus phantastisch und leidenschaftlich vorzutragen - lm Legendenton

7. Fantasie In C, Op. 17: Massig. Durchaus energisch - Etwas langsamer - Viel bewegter

8. Fantasie In C, Op. 17: Langsam getragen. Durchweg leisi zu halten - Etwas bewegter

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars L'Aurore, August 19, 2001

By 

"katja_r" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Claudio Arrau - Great Pianists of the 20th Century II (Audio CD)

I am fascinated by these performances by Mr Claudio Arrau (1903-1991). This is the second volume of works by Mr Arrau in the Great Pianists of the 20th Century series. The notes by Mr John E. Clark provide insight to the pieces and the pianist. My favourite is Beethoven's Piano Sonata #21 in C Op 53. Mr Arrau has an interpretation unlike anyone else's. Mr Clark points out that, "one can always be sure of having insights into even the most familiar music." Concerning this sonata, Mr Arrau stated, "the usual thing we hear is so basically wrong." In the first movement he opens at a pace noticeably more measured than usual. "Arrau always defended the right of the interpreter to alter the pace in Beethoven, an attitude based on evidence provided by the composer's contemporaries and on the pianist's view that each movement has a dramatic basis." writes Mr Clark in defense of the pianist. In the second movement, Arrau observes the unusually long pedal indications of the rondo, faithfully includes the glissandi of bars 465-74 and provides "an ineffable sadness to the three-note figure in the left hand as it timorously climbs upwards" beginning at 251. Mr Clark gives historical background for the piece, mentioning that, "The andante favori was at first intended to be the second movement of the 'Waldstein' Sonata. Only grudgingly did Beethoven give up this idea in favour of the Introduzione." In the Andante favori, Mr Arrau seems to treat the indications and tempo as "suggestions" from the composer. The result is a truly unique listening experience. It is exciting for me to learn so much and to be treated to the individualistic style of Mr Claudio Arrau. If you are interested in the music of Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt or Schumann played in an unique manner, this CD will interest you.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Arrau, November 6, 2008

By 

Christopher Kosloske "crkkos" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Claudio Arrau - Great Pianists of the 20th Century II (Audio CD)

The works compiled on these 2cds are all considered staples of the romantic repertoire. Arrau masterfully plays all these pieces and sets the bar at a high standard. The brilliance in the Schumann fantasy cannot be rivaled by many and the Liszt Sonata is one of the best you will ever hear. This album is one of the best in the whole set of the great pianists of the 20th century.