One of the great pianists of the 20th century, Claudio Arrau arguably achieved his greatest postwar renown for the textual fidelity, spirituality and elegance of his Beethoven interpretations. This recording of the Piano Concerto No. 3, characterized by strong and forthright playing in the outer movements, is the first of three he set down in the studio. Arrau played Weber’s Konzertstück throughout his career. This 1946 recording is notable for its lightness and fleetness of execution. When reviewing the recital performance of Weber’s Piano Sonata No. 1, prior to the recording, Olin Downes wrote in The New York Times of Arrau’s ‘courtliness, wit, scintillation [and] chivalric flourish’.

Ludwig van Beethoven

Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37

Arrau, Claudio, piano
Philadelphia Orchestra
Ormandy, Eugene, Conductor


I. Allegro con brio 00:15:49
II. Largo 00:10:40
III. Rondo: Allegro 00:08:39
Carl Maria von Weber

Konzertstuck in F minor, Op. 79, J. 282

Arrau, Claudio, piano
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Defauw, Desire, Conductor


I. Larghetto affettuoso 00:05:09
II. Allegro passionato 00:03:56
III. Adagio - Tempo di Marcia 00:07:11
Piano Sonata No. 1 in C major, Op. 24, J. 138

Arrau, Claudio, piano


I. Allegro 00:06:02
II. Adagio 00:06:14
III. Minuetto: Allegro 00:05:09
IV. Rondo, "Perpetuum Mobile": Presto 00:03:48



Total Playing Time: 01:12:37