Claudio Arrau
Piano
1903 - 1991

www.arrauhouse.org



 'ArrauHouse'- A Chronology

 Development Period - from 1913 to 1941

1913-1918

 

 

Germany

 

 

 Introduced by Chilean pianist Rosita Renard, who was already making a promising career in Europe, Arrau became a pupil under the legendary Maestro Martin Krause (1853-1918), himself a former pupil of Franz Liszt, at the renowned Julius Stern Conservatory of Berlin.

After listening to the child playing, Maestro Krause is reported to have said: "This boy shall be my masterwork!"

[ Beethoven -> Czerny -> Liszt -> Krause -> Arrau ] 

1914

Germany

 On 16 March, plays at a ceremony before Frederick Augustus III, King of Saxony, in Dresden.

1914

 

 

 

 

Germany

 

 

 

 

Formal Berlin début recital at the Künstlerhaus on 10 December, considered a major successful event, with a programme including:

> Bach's Preludes and Fugues in F major, F sharp major, and G major from > Book II of The Well-temepred Klavier;
> Beethoven's Variations on a Russian dance;
> Adolf Henselt's Sonata in B flat minor Op.10
> Adolf Henselt's Study in F sharp Op.2 No. 6
> Friedrich Gernsheim's Prelude in C sharp minor Op.2
> Friedrich Gernsheim's Prelude in B flat minor Op.2
> Friedrich Gernsheim's Legend Op.44
> Chopin's Waltz in A flat Op.42; and
> Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No.2.

Acclaimed by critics in Allgemeine Musik-Zeitung, Der Reichsbote, and others.

1914

Germany

 At the age of 11, begins studying Franz Liszt's 12 Études d'exécution transcendante at the Julius Stern Conservatory under Maestro Krause.

1914-1915

Europe
From age 11, extensive tours of Germany first, and then Scandinavian and Baltic countries, including Poland, Austria, Rumania and Yugoslavia.

1915

 

 

 

Germany

First Berlin recital at the Künstlerhaus on 19 January, with a programme consisting of:

> Bach's Three Préludes (F major, F sharp major, G minor)
> from Book 2 of the Well-tempered Klavier;
> Beethoven's Variations in a major;
> Stephen Heller's Sonata in B flat minor;
> Adolph von Henselt's Romanza in B flat minor;
> Adolph von Henselt's Bird Study;
> Friedrich Gernsheim's Two préludes, C sharp minor and B flat minor;
> Friedrich Gernsheim's Legend Op.44;
> Chopin's Valse in A flat Op.42;  and
> Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No. 11 (or II).

Acclaimed in disbelief, according to an account appearing on page 12 of New York's Musical Courier magazine on 20 January, entitled 'Berlin acclaims new Wunderkind on piano'.

1915

 

 

 

Germany

 

 

 

 Second, full-house, Berlin recital at the Künstlerhaus on 15 February, with a programme consisting of:

> Händel's Suite in D minor;
> Mozart's Sonata in D K.576;
> Weber's Rondo brilliant in E flat Op.62;
> Schubert's Moment musical in C sharp minor;
> Mendelssohn's Caprice in E minor Op.16 No.2;
> some pieces by Giovanni Sgambati; concluding with
> Liszt's Paganini Étude No.5 and La liggierezza.

Acclaimed by critics as in his 1914 Berlin début and 1915 Berlin first recital.

1915

Germany

 Performance in Leipzig of Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 1 under Artur Nikisch conducting the [Leipziger Sinfonie-Orchester / Staatskapelle Dresden?]. http://arrausite.free.fr/Index.html

1915-1918

Germany

 Winner of several prizes, including:
The Ibach-Schulhoff Prize (1915),
The Gustav Holländer Medal (1915),
The Sachsen-Gothaische Medal.

1915-1918

Europe

Extensive series of European recitals and concerts under Arthur Nikish (Gewandhaus Orchestra of Leipzig), Fritz Steinbach, Karl Muck, Wilhelm Mengelberg, Wilhelm Fürtwangler, et al.

1916

U.S.A.

 On 20 January, in referring to Claudio Arrau's début at the Künstlerhaus of Berlin on 10 December 1914, the Musical Courier of New York praises the young pianist's extraordinary technical piano exploits at age 11.

1917

U.S.A.

 Arrau's revered, exemplary pianist, Venezuelan-born Teresa Carreño (1853-1917), a pupil of Anton Rubinstein and wife of (amongst others) celebrated pianist Eugene d'Albert, dies on 12 June in New York.

1918

Germany

 Graduation: Exceptional Honours Diploma in Piano from the Julius Stern Conservatory, an award especially created for Claudio Arrau.
1918
 Germany
 Revered teacher and mentor, Martin Krause, dies on 18 February from this year's great flu epidemic.
1918
 Europe
 Concert tour including Norway, Finland, Bulgaria, and Yugoslavia.
1919
 Germany
 Winner of the Franz Liszt Prize, awarded for the first time in 45 years.
1920
 Germany
 Winner of the Franz Liszt Prize, for a second consecutive year.

1920

Germany

 Resounding début with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra [Berliner Philharmoniker] under Karl Muck in December, Arrau interpreting Liszt's arrangement for piano and orchestra of Schubert's Wanderer Fantasy.

 1920

 Germany

 First presentations followed suit with the main German Orchestras in Berlin, Munich, Dresden, Leipzig, Stuttgart, Hamburg, and Frankfurt under leading conductors including Furtwängler.
1920

 England

 London recital début at the Aeolian Hall with works by A. Scarlatti and J.S. Bach's Goldberg Variations.

 1920

 

 England

 

Following his London début, immediate engagement to appear at the Royal Albert Hall a fortnight later, sharing a recital with singer Nelli Melba and violinist Bronislaw Hubermann, where Arrau played Liszt's Rhapsodie espagnole to astonishing acclaim.

 1921

Chile

 Scholarship from the Chilean Government to pursue studies in Berlin ends.

1921

England

 His first ever acoustic recordings:  a Schubert Moment musical and a Chopin Waltz on the Vocalion label.
[Marston CD 52023-2, USA, 2000]

1921

Austria

 Performances of Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 2, Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1, and R.Strauss's Burleske in D minor, under Franz Schalk conducting the Vienna Symphony Orchestra [Wiener Symphoniker].

1921

Argentina

 First professional concert tour of Argentina, with greatly acclaimed recitals in Buenos Aires.

1921

 

 

Chile

 

 

First professional concert tour of Chile, with 11 both greatly acclaimed and controversial recitals at the Teatro Municipal in Santiago.  Controversy arose because of the modern works included in the programs [Diario Ilustrado newspaper of 19 June].

Arrau also visited Valparaíso and returned to his birthplace, Chillán, for the first time on 09 July, accompanied by his mother.  

Two recitals at the Teatro Municipal of Chillán on 10 and 11 July were offered to an extremely emotional, loving public [La Discusión newspaper of Chillán].

The above 11 recitals included works from the following repertoire played during this Chilean tour -
> Bach: Partita in C Minor
> Beethoven: Variations Op.35
> Beethoven: Sonata Les adieux Op.81a
> Chopin: Sonata No.2 Op.35
> Liszt: Dante Sonata
> Brahms: Paganini Variations Op.35
> Schumann: Études symphomiques Op.13
> Balakirev: Islamey
> Menter, Sophie: Valse for Claudio Arrau
> Schulz-Evler, Adolf: An der Schönen Blauen Donau Op.314 (On the Blue ...Danube)
> Tausig, Carl: Nachtfalter Transcriptions Op.157 (Night butterfly)
> Strauss, Johann (junior): Man lebt nur einmal! Op.67 (We live only once)
> Jensen, Adolph: Four pieces from The Erotikon Op.44
> Sgambati, Giovanni: Vecchio minuetto
> Albéniz: Fête-Dieu à Séville & Triana (from Iberia)
> Debussy: Soirée dans Grenade & Jardins sous la pluie (from Estampes)
> Debussy: Reflets dans l'eau (from Images book I)
> Debussy: Voiles, La sérénade interrompue, La cathédrale engloutie, ...Minstrels & Feux d'artifice (from Préludes books I and II)

1921

Chile

 Opens in Chillán the "Claudio Arrau Music Academy", founded and led by Ms Dolores Sánchez de Rodas.
1922
 England
 Triumphal presentation in London at the famous 'Sunday Celebrity Show'.

1922

England

 His only piano roll recordings:  a Schubert Impromptu and Sophie Menter's Valse dedicated to Claudio Arrau .
[Aeolian Duo Art Rolls PR010 & PR019]

1922

Austria

 His first recital in Vienna interpreting J.S. Bach's The Well-tempered Klavier in November.

1922

Austria

Recital at the Central Concert Hall of the Konzertbüro der Wiener Konzerthausgesellschaft at 7:00 pm on 14 November, with a program including:

> Beethoven, Sonate A-dur Op.101
> Schubert, Sonate B-dur

> Chopin, Ballade F-dur Op.38
> Chopin, Nocturno E-moll Op.72 Nr.1
> Chopin, Impromptu Fis-dur Op.36
> Chopin, Scherzo Cis-moll Op.39
1923
 Germany
 Plays J.S. Bach's The Well-tempered Klavier in Berlin.

1923

U.S.A.



 In an account of the wealth of artists expected to participate in the incoming season, and under the heading "Beethoven Cycle for Paris", The New York Times of 26 August mentions the impending first ever North American tour by pianist Claudio Arrau. Under the ironic subtitle "Yes, we have no pianists", there is a list of 22 pianists for the season, the last entry being Arrau.

1923-1924

 

U.S.A.

 

Début tour of the U.S. organised by the Baldwin Company, including -
> three recitals in New York,
and concerts with:
> the Boston Symphony under Pierre Monteux
> the Chicago Symphony under Leopold Stokowski, and
> the Chicago Symphony under Frederick Stock
Positive reaction from the public to splendid performances.
Rather cold reception by critics.
Contract dishonoured by his impresario.

1923

 

U.S.A.

 

U.S. début at the Carnegie Hall, New York, on 20 October, with a program comprising:
> Beethoven's Sonata Op 31 No. 3
> Chopin's Nocturne Op 48 No. 1
> other works by Chopin
> Debussy's Reflets dans l'eau
> Debussy's Feux d'artifice
> Debussy's Minstrels
> Liszt's Don Juan fantasy, with
> a Chopin's Waltz and
> a Liszt's Rhapsody as encores.
[Positive review in The New York Times of 21 October]

1923

 

 

U.S.A.

 

 

Second recital at the Aeolian Hall on 14 November playing:
> three fugues by Bach
> Les Adieux Sonata by Beethoven
> works by Chopin (including a Nocturne)
> works by Debussy (including Gardens in the Rain)
> Liszt's Spanish Rhapsody, and
> Busoni's Carmen Fantasy.
[News item in The New York Times of 15 November]

1923

 

 

U.S.A.

 

 

 The International Composers Guild opened its season on 02 December at the Vanderbilt Theatre of New York, with a program of works by contemporary composers as interpreted by various artists.
Arrau contributed his interpretations of:
> Arthur Lourie's Syntheses (set of pieces),
> Hindemith's March and Nachtstück, and
> Bartók's Improvisations.
[Critic H.C. Colles felt unable to make much musical sense out of the whole evening - The New York Times of 03 December]

1923

U.S.A.

 Performances of Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 1 and Busoni’s arrangement for piano and orchestra of Liszt’s Rhapsodie Espagnole, under Frederick Stock conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
1923 U.S.A. Performance of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with Pierre Monteux conducting the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

1923-1924

U.S.A.














 A typical Arrau recital program during his first tour of the U.S. was the following one published in New York and Chicago by The Civic Music Association:

> Mozart's Rondo in D major and
> Beethoven's Sonata in C sharp major Op.27 No.2 (Moonlight).
> Chopin's Ballade in G minor and
> Chopin's Barcarolle, followed by
> Liszt's Au bord d'une source,
> Liszt's Petrarch Sonetto 123, and
> Liszt's Mephisto Waltz.

Intermission.

> Debussy's Poisons d'or and
> Debussy's La cathédrale engloutie,
> Ravel's Alborada del gracioso and
> Ravel's Ondine,
> Albéniz' Rondo, and
> Granado's El pelele.  
1924
 England
 Interprets J.S. Bach's The Well-tempered Klavier in London.
1924
 Austria
 Interprets J.S. Bach's The Well-tempered Klavier in Vienna.

1924-1940

Germany

 Appointed to a Professorship in Piano with the Julius Stern Conservatory of Berlin, succeeding Maestro Martin Krause.

1924

Germany

 Enters the rich European musical circle of the times, including contacts with Ferruccio Busoni, Wilhelm Furtwängler, Erick Kleiber, Otto Klemperer, Artur Schnabel, and Edwin Fischer.

1924

Germany

 Meets Dr Hubert Abrahamsohn, noted Jungian psychologist from Düsseldorf, a pivotal influence on Arrau's personal and artistic development.

1924

South America

Tours South America, including a second professional visit to his home country.

1924

Chile

Recital in Santiago including works by both classical and at the time unknown modern composers, including works by:
> Scriabin: Sonata No.5
> Ravel: Alborada del gracioso & Gaspard de la nuit
> Busoni: La berceuse
> Shönberg: Drei Klavierstücke Op.11
> Bartók: Suite Op.14

On 11 July took part in a Santiago Bach Society's Concert to perform, along with pianist Armando Palacios, one of J.S. Bach's concertos in C minor for two keyboards, as part of an all-Bach program including several musicians.

On 18, 21, 25 & 29 July, performed Bach's The Well-tempered Klavier for the first time in Santiago.

1924

Chile

 Private performance in Santiago of Sonate Dionisiaque, a fantasy sonata of the Chilean composer Acario Cotapos.  [Nuevas luces sobre Acario Cotapos, L. Merino M.]

1924

Chile

 Appointed Active Permanent Member of the Santiago J.S. Bach Society, headed by Mr Domingo Santa Cruz.

1927

Switzerland

 Winner of the Grand prix international des pianistes in Geneva, all 200 participants interpreting Balakirev's Islamey. Judges were Alfred Cortot, Jose Vianna da Motta, Josef Pembauer, and Arthur Rubinstein.

1927

Switzerland

 Performances of Arthur Oscar Honegger’s Concertino for Piano and Orchestra and Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1, with L'Orchestre de la Suisse Romande conducted by Ernest Ansermet.

1927

Germany

 Performance of Schumann’s Piano Concerto Op 54 with the Wiesbaden Orchestra [Wiesbadener Orchester] conducted by Otto Klemperer.
1927
 England
 First electrical, 78 rpm recordings for HMV in London.

1927/
1928?

Germany

 Performance of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with the [Berlin Philharmonic?] conducted by Willem Mengelberg. http://arrausite.free.fr/Index.html
1928 Germany Concerts with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra [Berliner Philharmoniker].
1928
 Germany
 Electrical, 78 rpm recordings for German Gramophone (Polydor).
1928
 Chile

Recitals in Santiago with programs including works by Mozart, Haydn, Brahms, Schubert, Balakirev, as well as the following compositions by -

> Beethoven: Piano Concerto No.4 Op.58
> Chopin: Piano Concerto No.2 Op.21
> Bussoni: Indianische Fantaisie for piano & orchestra Op.44
...Armando Carvajal conducting.

> Bach: Partita in G mayor
> Chopin: Sonata No.2 Op.35
> Weber: Sonata No.2 Op.39
> Meldenssohn: Variations sérieuses
> Liszt: Les jeux d'eaux à la Villa d'Este
> Liszt: Études d'exécution trascendante d' après Paganini
> Debussy: Les collines d' Anacapri (from Préludes book I)
> Debussy: La puerta del vino (from Préludes book II)
> Debussy: La terrase des audiences du clair de lune (from Préludes book ...II)
> Auric, George: Sonatina (of 1923)
> Sauget, Henri: Trois Françaises (études of 1923)
> Stravinsky: Piano Rag Music
> Stravinsky: Petrushka Suite
1929 URSS First tour of the URSS:  Moscow, Leningrad and Kiev.
1929 Czechoslovakia Performances in Prague.

1929

Switzerland

 Performance of Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Zurich Townhall Orchestra [Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich] conducted by V. Andrae. http://arrausite.free.fr/Index.html
1930
 Germany
 Cover page photograph of Claudio Arrau   - the world-renowned piano virtuoso -   on the March issue (Nachtrag No.19) of the Odeon-Electric catalogue published in Berlin.  On page 3, Arrau's recording of Liszt's Die Wasserspiele in der Villa d'Este  is advertised:  Odeon O-6743, 78rpm.
Eight-page catalogue, 14.2cm x 21.4cm.
1930
 URSS
 Second tour of the URSS: Moscow, Leningrad and Kiev.
1930
 Argentina
 Two recitals in Buenos Aires in December.
1932
 Uruguay
 Performances on a Blüthner piano at the Teatro Solís of Montevideo, with a 3-part farewell recital on Thursday 12 May at 18:30 pm.
1932
 Colombia
 Performances in Bogotá early in October (first ever visit to Colombia).
1932
 Germany
 Establishes the Claudio Arrau Quartet, performing until 1937.

1933

Mexico

Début in Mexico City -
Either 15 concerts and recitals in 2 weeks
Or 21 concertos in 6 weeks
[These entries need clarification]
1934 Mexico Performance of J.S. Bach's complete Well-tempered Klavier at the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City - a series of four recitals given on Wednesdays 7, 14, 21, and 28 of November.
1934 Mexico Performance of Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with the Mexico Symphony Orchestra and Ernest Ansermet conducting.

1934

Mexico

 Performance of Stravinsky’s Concerto for Piano and Wind Ensemble with the Mexico Symphony Orchestra conducted by Ernest Ansermet.

1934

Chile

 Seven recitals and one concert in Santiago, with programs which comprised works with a stronger emphasis on Classical and Romantic composers, such as Beethoven, Chopin, Schumann, Brahms and Liszt.  
Less emphasis was given to modern composers who were represented with the following works:
> Moussorgsky: Pictures at an exhibition
> Debussy: Danse, Soirée dans Grenade, Voilés, Feux d' artifice,
> Mouvement
> Ravel: Jeux d' eaux

1934-1935

 

Mexico




 Features as Franz Liszt in Sueño de amor (Liebesträum), a film about Liszt's life, by director José Bohr, showing at the Teatro Campoamor of New York, positively reviewed as highly entertaining, well acted and supported, with excellent musical performances, and a realistic atmosphere, by critic Harry T. Smith of the New York Times on 11 January 1936.
Arrau interprets Liszt's Liebesträume, and La chasse.
This film was also known as Amor de madre, Tu hijo, and Thy Son.
http://cinemexicano.mty.itesm.mx/directores/jose_bohr.html 

1935

Germany

78 rpm recording of Liszt's Piano Concerto No.1 under Hans Rosbaud conducting the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra on 15 May (RRG 24391/95): Arrau's first ever concerto recording.
[Claudio Arrau in Germany, Music & Arts of America, CD-1060, 2000]

1935-1937

Germany

 Consolidates his European reputation by breaking new grounds and performing from memory a series of highly acclaimed cycles at the Meistersaal of Berlin, including:
 
1935-6 
 Complete Bach keyboard works over 12 recitals (please see below).
 
1936 
 Complete Mozart keyboard works over 5 recitals.
 
1936 
 Complete Beethoven cycle.
 
1937 
Complete Schubert and Weber keyboard works over 5 recitals.
1935 Germany

Celebrated rendition of the entire piano work of Johann Sebastian Bach in 12 Wednesday evenings at the Meistersaal of Berlin:
[1] Wednesday 9 October at 8:00 pm
Das wohltemperierte Klavier, I. Teil, erste Hälfte
1. Praeludium und Fuge C-Dur
>  Praeludium und Fuge c-moll
>  Praeludium und Fuge Cis-Dur
>  Praeludium und Fuge cis-moll
2. Praeludium und Fuge D-Dur
>  Praeludium und Fuge d-moll
>  Praeludium und Fuge Es-Dur
>  Praeludium und Fuge es-moll
3. Praeludium und Fuge E-Dur
>  Praeludium und Fuge e-moll
>  Praeludium und Fuge F-Dur
>  Praeludium und Fuge f-moll
1935 Germany

Celebrated rendition of the entire piano work of Johann Sebastian Bach in 12 Wednesday evenings at the Meistersaal of Berlin:
[2] Wednesday 23 October at 8:00 pm
Das wohltemperierte Klavier, I. Teil, zweite Hälfte
1. Praeludium und Fuge Fis-Dur
>  Praeludium und Fuge fis-moll
>  Praeludium und Fuge G-Dur
>  Praeludium und Fuge g-moll
2. Praeludium und Fuge As-Dur
>  Praeludium und Fuge gis-moll
>  Praeludium und Fuge A-Dur
>  Praeludium und Fuge a-moll
3. Praeludium und Fuge B-Dur
>  Praeludium und Fuge b-moll
>  Praeludium und Fuge H-Dur
>  Praeludium und Fuge h-moll
1935 Germany

Celebrated rendition of the entire piano work of Johann Sebastian Bach in 12 Wednesday evenings at the Meistersaal of Berlin:
[3] Wednesday 6 November at 8:00 pm
Das wohltemperierte Klavier, II. Teil, erste Hälfte
1. Praeludium und Fuge C-Dur
>  Praeludium und Fuge c-moll
>  Praeludium und Fuge Cis-Dur
>  Praeludium und Fuge cis-moll
2. Praeludium und Fuge D-Dur
>  Praeludium und Fuge d-moll
>  Praeludium und Fuge Es-Dur
>  Praeludium und Fuge dis-moll
3. Praeludium und Fuge E-Dur
>  Praeludium und Fuge e-moll
>  Praeludium und Fuge F-Dur
>  Praeludium und Fuge f-moll
1935 Germany

Celebrated rendition of the entire piano work of Johann Sebastian Bach in 12 Wednesday evenings at the Meistersaal of Berlin:
[4] Wednesday 20 November at 8:00 pm
Das wohltemperierte Klavier, II. Teil, zweite Hälfte
1. Praeludium und Fuge Fis-Dur
>  Praeludium und Fuge fis-moll
>  Praeludium und Fuge G-Dur
>  Praeludium und Fuge g-moll
2. Praeludium und Fuge As-Dur
>  Praeludium und Fuge gis-moll
>  Praeludium und Fuge A-Dur
>  Praeludium und Fuge a-moll
3. Praeludium und Fuge B-Dur
>  Praeludium und Fuge b-moll
>  Praeludium und Fuge H-Dur
>  Praeludium und Fuge h-moll
1935 Germany

Celebrated rendition of the entire piano work of Johann Sebastian Bach in 12 Wednesday evenings at the Meistersaal of Berlin:
[5] Wednesday 11 December at 8:00 pm
Die 6 französischen Suiten
Suite 1 in d-moll:
>  Allemande. Courante. Sarabande. Menuet 1. Menuet 2. Gigue.
Suite 2 in c-moll:
>  Allemande. Courante. Sarabande. Air. Menuet. Gigue.
Suite 3 in h-moll:
>  Allemande. Courante. Sarabande. Anglaise. Menuet. Trio. Gigue.
Suite 4 in Es-Dur:
>  Allemande. Courante. Sarabande. Gavotte. Air. Gigue.
Suite 5 in G-Dur:
>  Allemande. Courante. Sarabande. Gavotte. Bourrée. Loure. Gigue.
Suite 6 in E-Dur:
>  Allemande. Courante. Sarabande. Gavotte. Polonaise. Menuet. Bourrée.
>  Gigue.
1936 Germany

Celebrated rendition of the entire piano work of Johann Sebastian Bach in 12 Wednesday evenings at the Meistersaal of Berlin:
[6] Wednesday 15 January at 8:00 pm
Die 6 englischen Suiten
Suite 1 in A-Dur:
>  Prélude. Allemande. Courante 1 und 2. Double 1 und 2. Sarabande.
>  Bourrée 1 und 2. Gigue
Suite 2 in a-moll:
>  Prélude. Allemande. Courante. Sarabande. Bourrée 1 und 2. Gigue
Suite 3 in g-moll:
>  Prélude. Allemande. Courante. Sarabande. Gavotte 1 und 2. Gigue.
Suite 4 in Es-Dur:
>  Prélude. Allemande. Courante. Sarabande. Menuet 1 und 2. Gigue.
Suite 5 in G-Dur:
>  Prélude. Allemande. Courante. Sarabande. Passepied 1 und 2. Gigue.
Suite 6 in E-Dur:
>  Prélude. Allemande. Courante. Sarabande. Double. Gavotte 1 und 2.
>  Gigue.
1936 Germany

Celebrated rendition of the entire piano work of Johann Sebastian Bach in 12 Wednesday evenings at the Meistersaal of Berlin:
[7] Wednesday 29 January at 8:00 pm
Fantasie in c-moll
15 Symphonien: C-Dur. c-moll. D-Dur. d-moll. Es-Dur. E-Dur. e-moll.
>  F-Dur. f-moll. G-dur. g-moll. A-dur. a-moll. B-dur. h-moll.
Toccata in c-moll
Capriccio in B-Dur: Arioso. Andante. Adagiosissimo. Un poco largo.
>  Adagio poco. Allegro.
Preludium un fuge in a-moll
Fragment einer Suite in f-moll: Prélude. Sarabande. Gigue.
3 Klavierstücke in Suiten-Form: Allemande. Courante. Gigue.
Fugue in a-moll
1936 Germany

Celebrated rendition of the entire piano work of Johann Sebastian Bach in 12 Wednesday evenings at the Meistersaal of Berlin:
[8] Wednesday 11 March at 8:00 pm
Fantasie und Fuge in a-moll
15 Inventionen: C-Dur. c-moll. D-Dur. d-moll. Es-dur. E-Dur. e-moll.
>  F-Dur. f-moll. G-Dur. g-moll. A-Dur. a-moll. B-Dur. h-moll.
Toccata in fis-moll
Sonata in d-moll: Adagio. Andante. Allegro.
Adagio in g-Dur
Suite in e-moll: Prélude. Allemande. Courante. Sarabande. Bourrée.
>  Gigue.
Die Klavierübung -
Das italienische Konzert: Allegro. Andante. Presto.
1936 Germany Celebrated rendition of the entire piano work of Johann Sebastian Bach in 12 Wednesday evenings at the Meistersaal of Berlin:
[9] Wednesday 26 March at 8:00 pm
Die Klavierübung -
Partita I in B-Dur:
>  Praeludium. Allemande. Corrente. Sarabande. Menuet I und II. Gigue.
Partita II in c-moll:
>  Sinfonia. Allemande. Corrente. Sarabande. Rondeau. Capriccio.
Partita III in a-moll:
>  Fantasia. Allemande. Corrente. Sarabande. Burlesca. Scherzo. Gigue.
Partita IV in D-Dur:
>  Ouverture. Allemande. Corrente. Aria. Sarabande. Menuet. Gigue.
Partita V in G-Dur:
>  Praeambulum. Allemande. Corrente. Sarabande. Tempo di Minuetta.
>  Passepied. Gigue.
Partita VI in e-moll:
>  Toccata. Allemande. Corrente. Air. Sarabande. Tempo di Gavotta.
>  Gigue.
1936 Germany Celebrated rendition of the entire piano work of Johann Sebastian Bach in 12 Wednesday evenings at the Meistersaal of Berlin:
[10] Wednesday 8 April at 8:00 pm
Die Klavierübung -
Ouverture nach Französischer Art in h-moll:
>  Ouverture. Vivace. Courante. Gavotte I und II. Passepied I und II.
>  Sarabande. Bourrée I und II. Gigue. Echo.
Vier Duette:  e-moll. F-Dur. G-Dur. a-moll.
Aria mit 30 Veränderungen, Goldberg'schen Variationen
1936 Germany Celebrated rendition of the entire piano work of Johann Sebastian Bach in 12 Wednesday evenings at the Meistersaal of Berlin:
[11] Wednesday 22 April at 8:00 pm
Aria variata alla maniera italiana
12 Kleine Praeludien
Capriccio in E-Dur
Kleine zweistimmige Fuge in c-moll
Fuge in C-Dur
Fuge in C-Dur
Fuge in d-moll
Fuge in d-moll
Fuge in e-moll
Fuge in a-moll
Fuge in A-Dur
Toccata in e-moll
Suite pour le Clavecin in a-moll: Allemande. Courante. Sarabande
>  simple. Sarabande double. Gigue.
Suite pour le Clavecin in Es-Dur: Allemande. Allemande. Courante.
>  Sarabande. Bourrée. Menuet I und II.
Drei Menuetten
Toccata in D-Dur
1936 Germany

Celebrated rendition of the entire piano work of Johann Sebastian Bach in 12 Wednesday evenings at the Meistersaal of Berlin:
[12] Wednesday 6 May at 8:00 pm
Praeludium, Fuge und Allegro in Es-Dur
6 kleine Praeludien
Fantasie in c-moll
Fantasie in g-moll
F antasie in a-moll
Toccata in g-moll
Preludio con Fughetta in d-moll
Preludio con Fughetta in e-moll
Praeludium un Fuge in Es-Dur
Praeludium und Fuge in a-moll
Toccata in d-moll
Ouverture in F-Dur:  Ouverture. Entrée. Menuet. Trio. Bourrée. Gigue.
Fuge in A-Dur über ein thema von Albinoni
Praeludium und Fuge in h-moll über ein Thema von Albinoni
Chromatische Fantasie und Fuge
1936 Germany Performance of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra [Berliner Philharmoniker] conducted by Leo Borchard.

1937

Germany

 Marries the then mezzo-soprano and subsequent spouse-for-life Ruth Schneider.
 
The couple had a daughter, Carmen (1938), and a son, Mario (1940).
In 1959 they adopted Christopher (1959).

Ruth was born in Frankfurt on 23 February 1908.  The year 1910 shown on a Chilean passport of the 1940s is incorrect.

1938

Chile

 Mother flees Germany to settle back in Chile, followed shortly afterwards by sister in 1939 [Please see 1953]

1938

Chile

 Professional visit to his homeland. For the first time ever, Arrau plays the complete Beethoven sonata and concerto cycles in Santiago.

1938

Mexico

 For the first time ever, Arrau peforms the complete Beethoven sonata and concerto cycles in Mexico City.

1938

Austria


 Salzburg Festival début:
Arrau plays César Frank's Symphonic Variations for Piano and Orchestra with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra under Vittorio Gui at the Großes Festspielhaus on 15 August. 

1938

Germany

 Establishes the short-lived Arrau Trio comprising Claudio Arrau (piano), Hermann Hubl (violin), and Hans Münch-Holland (cello).
Arrau and Hubl were known to have played together earlier in the 1930's.

1938

England

International Subscription Celebrity Concerts tour, sharing a program with tenor Richard Tauber at the following venues:
- Sunday 27 November at the Liverpool Paramount Theatre
- Monday 28 November at the Middlesbrough town Hall
- Tuesday 29 November at the Newcastle City Hall
- Thursday 01 December at the Glasgow St. Andrews Hall
- Saturday 03 December at the Edinburgh Usher Hall, and
- Sunday 04 December at the Manchester Paramount Theatre

The solo piano parts of the program (ie. parts 2 and 4) were interpreted by Claudio Arrau and included:
Part 2:
> Schuman - Carnaval suite Op.9
Part 4:
> Ravel - Jeux d'eau
> Debussy - Mouvements, Danse, Feux d'artifice

Tenor Richard Tauber was accompanied by pianist Percy Kahn.
1939 Chile From at least 1939, the start of World War II, Arrau holds a Chilean diplomatic passport.
1939 Chile Complete Beethoven sonata and concerto cycles in Santiago.
1939 Chile Several recitals in Santiago. The fifth recital was presented in August at the Teatro Central with the following programme -

> Mozart: Sonata in D mayor
> Liszt: Sonata in B minor
> Albéniz: Fête-dieu à Séville
> Granados: Quejas o La maja y el ruiseñor
> Debussy: L' isle joyeuse

Chilean composer and teacher Pedro Allende Sarón wrote a critique in the 'South Pacific Mail' of Valparaíso, dated 17 August, praising Arrau's masterly interpretation of the above works and criticizing the interpreter for not including works by Chilean composers in his programs as a means of expressing gratitude for the assistance received from the Chilean Government.
1939
 Argentina
 Complete Beethoven sonata and concerto cycles in Buenos Aires.

1939

England

 Peforms Schumann's Carnaval in recital, and records it for Parlophone (his first large-scale, multi-movement solo recording), together with Debussy's Tarantelle styrienne and Jardins sous la pluie.
1939 England Performance of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 with Thomas Beecham conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
1939 Germany Performance of Schumann’s Piano Concerto, with Wilhelm Furtwängler conducting the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra [Berliner Philharmoniker].
1939 Germany Performance of Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3, with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra [Berliner Philharmoniker] conducted by Carl Schuricht on 13 February.  Master work concert series for the State-controlled workers’ organisation [KdF] and the citizens of Berlin.
1939 Germany Performance of Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3, with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra [Berliner Philharmoniker] conducted by Carl Schuricht on 14 February.  Subscription concert series.

1940

Germany



 Increasingly involved in international engagements, Arrau resigns his Berlin Professorship in the middle of the war period and in protest against the Nazi regime.
The evolving decision became an unavoidable fact after the assessination of one of Arrau's pupils and the recent persecution suffered by Arrau's wife, both accused of having Jewish blood.
1940

 Chile

 Settles temporarily with his family in Santiago.
Founds own Piano School in Santiago.
Gives recitals/concerts in Santiago.

1940

Chile

 The Santiago City Council names an avenue after Claudio Arrau, located in the Pudahuel district, in recognition of the artist's hero-like popularity.

1940

Uruguay

 Peformances in Montevideo.
1941 Holland Scheduled to perform Brahms' Piano Concerto No.2 on 23 March at 2 o'clock, with Eduard van Beinum conducting the Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam as part of the Acht Zondagmiddagconcerten.

1941

USA

 Performances as a soloist with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, under Fritz Reiner as Musical Director, at the Syria Mosque, Pittsburgh, Pensylvania, on Friday 25 October and Sunday 27 October.

1941

South America

 On 09 March, Arrau sailed from New York for an extensive tour of South America, starting with Bogotá, Colombia, where he was scheduled to play the complete Beethoven piano concerto cycle with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Bogotá under Guillermo Espinosa. [The New York Times of 09 March]

1941

Argentina

 Included in the 'Concertos and Recitals' section of the extensive 1941 Season scheduled by the Teatro Colón of Buenos Aires.

1941

Chile

 Arrau's second return to his birthplace on 20 August, where he offered two recitals and was declared Hijo Ilustre de Chillán by the City's Mayor.
[La Discusión newspaper, Chillán, 03 Otober 1941]

1941

Chile

An all-Beethoven recital at the Chillán's High School Concert Hall, with a program consisting of:
> Piano Sonata No. 14 Op.27 No.2 Moonlight
> Piano Sonata No. 12 Op.26
Interval -
> Piano Sonata No. 26 Op. 81a Les adieux
> Piano Sonata No. 23 Op. 57 Appassionata
[La Discusión newspaper, Chillán, 26 August 1941]

1941

Chile

 Concerts in Santiago with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Chile under Armando Carvajal on Monday 01 and Thursday 04 September, Teatro Municipal, at 06:45 pm.

1941

Chile

 Performance in Santigo of the complete Beethoven piano sonata cycle as part of the 1941 Musical Season. [El Diario Ilustrado, 30 August 1941]

1941

Chile

 Performance for the first time in Viña del Mar of the complete Beethoven piano sonata cycle. [El Diario Ilustrado, 30 August 1941]

End of 'Development Period' section.


Last updated on 25th October 2008