Great Pianists Series: Claudio Arrau
Claudio Arrau (February 6, 1903 – June 9, 1991) stands among the most revered pianists of the twentieth century, celebrated for his profound interpretations and vast repertoire, ranging from baroque to twentieth-century compositions. Born in Chillán, Chile, Arrau’s early life was marked by extraordinary musical precocity and an influential European education that shaped his remarkable career.
From a young age, Arrau exhibited prodigious talent. He could read music before he could read words and gave his first concert at just five years old. Recognizing his exceptional abilities, the Chilean government provided a grant for Arrau to study in Germany. At the tender age of eight, he was admitted to the Stern Conservatory in Berlin, where he studied under Martin Krause, a distinguished pupil of Franz Liszt. Under Krause’s guidance, Arrau’s technique and musicality flourished, setting the foundation for his future success.
Arrau’s career is distinguished by his dedication to complete cycles of composers’ works, a testament to his deep intellectual and emotional engagement with music. In 1935, he performed the entire keyboard works of Johann Sebastian Bach in a series of twelve recitals, followed by comprehensive cycles of Mozart, Schubert, and Beethoven’s sonatas and concertos. His interpretations of Beethoven, in particular, earned him a reputation as one of the leading authorities on the composer in the twentieth century.
In 1941, amid the tumult of World War II, Arrau emigrated from Germany to the United States, eventually settling in New York. There, his career continued to flourish, and he became a dual U.S.-Chilean citizen in 1979. Arrau’s influence extended beyond his performances; he edited the complete Beethoven piano sonatas for the Peters Urtext edition and left a significant legacy through his extensive recordings.
Arrau’s approach to music was characterized by a serious, reflective attitude. He emphasized fidelity to the score while advocating for the imaginative interpretation of music. Known for his intellectual depth, Arrau read widely and was fluent in multiple languages. His performances, particularly in his later years, were noted for their deliberate tempi and profound expressiveness.
A prolific performer, Arrau averaged 120 concerts per season between the ages of 40 and 60. His repertoire was remarkably diverse, encompassing the complete keyboard works of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin, alongside lesser-known composers like Alkan and Busoni. He recorded extensively, leaving a rich discography that includes the works of Schumann, Chopin, Liszt, Schubert, Brahms, and Debussy.
Arrau’s contributions to the world of piano were immense, both as a performer and as a mentor to numerous students. His legacy continues to inspire pianists and music lovers, ensuring his place as one of the great pianists in history.
