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 Beethoven's 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’.

Claudio Arrau (1903-91) was described variously as ‘Prince’, ‘Emperor’, and ‘King’, of the keyboard, such was the awe in which he was held. Even more tellingly, he remarked: ‘When I play I am in ecstasy; that is what I live for’.

Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37
Philadelphia Orchestra • Eugene Ormandy
[Recorded 24th December, 1947 in the Academy of Music, Philadelphia]

Weber: Konzertstück in F minor, Op. 79
Chicago Symphony Orchestra • Désiré Defauw
[Recorded 13th April, 1946 in Orchestra Hall, Chicago]

Weber: Piano Sonata No. 1 in C Major, Op. 24
[Recorded 20th February, 1941 in Victor Studio 2, New York City]