One of the 20th century’s most distinguished and revered pianists, Claudio Arrau, was known for his deeply introspective and technically flawless performances. Marked by its deep emotional resonance and intellectual rigour, his performances marked him as a true giant in the world of classical pianism. Arrau’s career spanned over seven decades, and his interpretations of the great Romantic and Classical repertoires continue to be highly regarded.

Claudio Arrau
Arrau’s discography is vast, and many of his recordings have been reissued on CD and digital formats, making his interpretations accessible to new generations. His work not only covers a wide range of composers but also reflects the evolution of recording technology throughout his long career. To commemorate his birthday on 6 February, let us sample some of his most iconic recordings.
Beethoven Sonatas
Claudio Arrau Plays Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111
Arrau was one of the few pianists who had direct exposure to earlier piano traditions. This gave him a unique perspective on how Beethoven’s music might have sounded to an earlier audience. His interpretations were famously meticulous in terms of staying true to the score and always probing to reproduce the composer’s intent.

Claudio Arrau
Arrau approached Beethoven’s music with a sense of philosophical depth. He saw a composer who revolutionised music by dealing with profound questions of existence, struggle, and transcendence. Known for his incredible technical control, Arrau made Beethoven sound both virtuosic and deeply human. His recordings of the Beethoven piano sonatas are still regarded as benchmarks of the repertoire.
Schumann Carnaval
Claudio Arrau Plays Schumann’s Carnaval, Op. 9
Arrau was known for his holistic approach to Schumann’s music. He avoided emphasis on the sudden mood swings typical of Schumann’s compositions and instead focused on the balance between poise and impulsiveness. In his performances of Carnaval, Arrau manages to knot together the disparate movements into a coherent musical narrative.
The emotional depth that Arrau brings to Carnaval is often linked to his personal connection with Schumann’s music. Possibly, they shared some psychological complexities. His performances are strongly projected yet infused with an underlying unease that critics find persuasive and deeply moving. His recordings remain a vital part of classical piano literature, offering listeners and musicians a profound exploration of Schumann’s character pieces.
Schubert Sonatas
Franz Schubert: Piano Sonata No. 18 in G Major, Op. 78, D. 894 (Claudio Arrau, piano)
Arrau is critically acclaimed for his ability to convey the profound emotional landscapes of Schubert’s music. His performances often highlight the lyricism and melancholy inherent in these works, capturing the composer’s introspection and personal struggle. He also brings structural clarity to the sonatas, balancing expansive melodies with a keen awareness of the musical architecture.
Arrau certainly had a profound understanding of Schubert’s late style, and he was praised for the “poetic intention” he imparted. There is plenty of dramatic intensity, and with his vast dynamic range, he has the ability to shift from the stormy to the serene parts effortlessly, providing a vivid emotional journey.
Chopin Nocturnes
Claudio Arrau Plays Chopin’s Nocturne Op. 9, No. 2
Claudio Arrau brings a poignant, melancholic expressiveness to the music of Chopin. Critics praise his interpretation of Chopin’s Nocturnes for showcasing a wide range of dynamics and his skilful handling of ornamentation and pedalling, adding clarity and richness. Critics also highlight his philosophical approach, as Arrau viewed the Nocturnes not only as beautiful music but as profound reflections on human emotion and existential themes.
Often considered one of Arrau’s finest interpretations, his take on Op. 9, No. 2 is praised for its lyrical flow and emotional depth. Arrau captures the famous melody with a singing quality but also brings out the underlying tension and melancholy. Add to this his use of subtle rubato that allows each note to resonate with emotional weight.
Liszt Sonata
Franz Liszt: Piano Sonata in B minor (Claudio Arrau, piano)
Arrau viewed the Liszt sonata as a profound work, often likening it to Beethoven’s late sonatas in terms of emotional and structural complexity. Effortlessly navigating the technical demands of the work, Arrau infuses it with an emotional narrative, blending virtuosity with introspection.
His 1970 recording is often cited as the definitive Arrau performance, “unmatched in its fusion of technical finish, personal poetry, and spiritual depth.” Even today, Arrau’s recording is often used as a reference point in discussions about the piece and an understanding of Liszt’s music.
The greatness of Claudio Arrau is found in his profound musicality, intellectual depth, and technical mastery. To be sure, he created performances of unparalleled emotional resonance and interpretative insight.
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