February 6 - Claudio Arrau (The Musical Birthday Series, 3rd Annual Cycle)

Previous posts for February 6th are here: Natalie Cole; Arthur Gold (2020) and Bob Marley; Natalie Cole (2021)

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Claudio Arrau (6 February 1903 – 9 June 1991) was a Chilean pianist who is widely considered one of the greatest pianists of the twentieth century.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arrau Aerobics 1

It has been estimated that Arrau's total repertoire would carry him through 76 recital evenings, not counting the 60-odd works with orchestra which he also knew.– Wikipedia

When you read what was played by Arrau

Your likely reaction is “wow”.

He could play all the titles

In six dozen recitals —

I cannot explain to you how.

 

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Arrau Aerobics 2

 

In 1935, Arrau gave a celebrated rendition of the entire keyboard works of Bach over 12 recitals. In 1936, Arrau gave a complete Mozart keyboard works over 5 recitals, and followed with the complete Schubert and Weber cycles. In 1938, for the first time, Arrau gave the complete Beethoven piano sonatas and concertos in Mexico City. – adapted from Wikipedia

And sometimes he’d play note by note

Every piece that a genius wrote.

You could try to repeat

This remarkable feat,

But your chance for success is remote.

 

 

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