CLAUDIO ARRAU - Complete Philips Recordings
Music of Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, Debussy, Grieg, Liszt, Mozart, Schubert, Schumann and Tchaikovsky. Various orchestras and conductors.
DECCA 483 2984 (80 disks)
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About a year ago this site mentioned an intriguing Sony 12-disk of many rarities: all of Claudio Arrau's recordings for RCA and Columbia (REVIEW). Now we have this remarkable huge set that contains all of the Chilean pianist's recordings for Philips and DGG. It seems rather odd perhaps that this is issued on the Decca label, but Decca now o ns the other two companies This is a massive set measuring about 8 1/2 inches square by 6 inches weighing almost 7 pounds. There is a a 160-page booklet with numerous photos some never before published, as well as complete track and recording information. Original release covers are there as well. Recordings are presented in a series of two CD sets in a plain cardboard jacket which contains only track and timing information.

We have all of the repertory associated with Arrau including his concerto recordings many of which he recorded twice. Also we have a live performance of Beethoven's Concerto No 4 with Leonard Bernstein on the podium, and chamber music with associates including Janos Starker and Arthur Grumiaux. The set also includes two previously unreleased interviews with Arrau. This is a limited edition issued at super-budget price. An important release indeed. Get it while you can.

R.E.B. (April 2018)