Search - Claudio Arrau Plays Mozart Sonata No 7 & Beethoven Sonata No 32 on DVD

An invaluable document of music and of Master Arrau

Sergio Barcelos | 01/09/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I had no idea of this dvd. It is an inestimable recording of a telecast of March, l964, from Canada.

Arrau interprets here two piano sonatas, one by Mozart (the A minor sonata K.310) and the last Beethoven piano sonata.

As for the Beethoven sonata, we all know that is an incomparable specialty of him and this new version is superb.

But the surprise is the Mozart sonata. Announced here as one of the most dramatic works of Mozart - what surprised me, for I have ever heard it as a lyrical work, even if a major and strong one - it becomes a total revelation. Arrau's reading of this work show us not only an entirely new work of what we supposed to be a well-known piano work, but reveals its true meaning. Literally a priceless musical register.

As a curiosity we may see also in this dvd Mr. Arrau in an interview where, surprinsingly enough, he is very at ease. I say that because we all know he did not like to speak during recitals nor giving interviews when he was performing.

Arrau speaks of his ideas about Music, composers, interpretation, and other important musical aspects ( as, for instance his observation that an interpreter can not interpret a work af any composer if he does not know the complete work of this same composer). All that, together with his interpretations of Mozart and Beethoven piano sonatas, show us very clearly why Arrau is Arrau.

Do not miss it! It is a priceless treasure for everyone interested in

Music."