Customer Reviews

Claudio Arrau - Great Pianists of the 20th Century II

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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.

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.