Great Pianists Series: The Legacy of Claudio Arrau
Claudio Arrau (February 6, 1903 – June 9, 1991) is celebrated as one of the most distinguished pianists of the twentieth century, renowned for his profound interpretations and extensive repertoire, which spanned from baroque to contemporary compositions. Born in Chillán, Chile, Arrau’s early life was marked by extraordinary musical talent and a transformative European education that shaped his illustrious career.
Arrau’s prodigious abilities emerged at a very young age. He could read music before he learned to read words and gave his first concert at the age of five. Recognizing his exceptional talent, the Chilean government sponsored his studies in Germany. By the age of eight, Arrau was admitted to the Stern Conservatory in Berlin, where he studied under Martin Krause, a distinguished student of Franz Liszt. Krause’s mentorship played a pivotal role in refining Arrau’s technique and musical expression, laying the foundation for his future success.
Arrau’s career is distinguished by his commitment to complete cycles of composers’ works, showcasing 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. He later presented comprehensive cycles of Mozart, Schubert, and Beethoven’s sonatas and concertos, cementing his reputation as one of the foremost interpreters of Beethoven in the twentieth century.
In 1941, as World War II unfolded, Arrau emigrated from Germany to the United States, eventually establishing himself in New York. His career continued to thrive, and in 1979, he became a dual U.S.-Chilean citizen. Beyond his illustrious performances, Arrau contributed to the music world as an editor, working on the complete Beethoven piano sonatas for the Peters Urtext edition, and left a lasting legacy through his extensive recordings.
Arrau’s approach to music was marked by a serious, reflective attitude, emphasizing fidelity to the score while allowing space for imaginative interpretation. Known for his intellectual depth, he was fluent in multiple languages and read widely on various subjects. His performances, especially in his later years, were noted for their deliberate tempi and profound emotional depth.
A tireless performer, Arrau maintained an average of 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, as well as works by lesser-known composers like Alkan and Busoni. His extensive discography includes recordings of Schumann, Chopin, Liszt, Schubert, Brahms, and Debussy, capturing the breadth and depth of his artistry.
Arrau’s impact on the piano world was immense, both as a performer and as a mentor to numerous students. His legacy continues to inspire pianists and music enthusiasts around the world, ensuring his place as one of history’s great pianists.