Alex Serrano | Perrysburg, Ohio United States | 05/11/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Claudio Arrau is one of my all time favorite pianists - and until now, the only pianist who i prefered to listen in a studio atmosphere where his particularly beautifull register could be captured in its full range (listen to his Debussy on the philips label). Understandably, his huge range was difficult to capture live, and a couple of concert performances on the italian aura label showed his great viruosity in the 60's at the expense of a dry sound. In this recital however from Salzburg, the playing has different tone - almost subdued - and somehow it turns out to be a satisfying disc. The recital includes the Complete Chopin preludes, and Schumann's Symphonic Etudes. The Chopin comes out with a sense of inmediacy that makes you beleive the composer himself is putting them together on stage - fascinating to say the least. The Schumann is a complete opposite - here Arrau seems to know exactly from the first note where he is going and he delivers a performance that even though lacking in excitement at times, is a marvel of understanding and study. A unique find and a worthy addition to a great pianists extensive recording catalog."
Track Listings (42) - Disc #1