Arrau, << ah ROU, >> Claudio (1903-1991), a Chilean pianist and teacher, became known for his many concerts and recordings. His extensive repertoire included the complete keyboard works of Austrian composers Wolfgang Mozart and Franz Schubert. Arrau’s playing was characterized by technical skill, imagination, and taste.
Arrau was born on Feb. 6, 1903, in Chillan, Chile. He began his musical career as a child prodigy. When he was 8 years old, the Chilean government sent him to Berlin, Germany, to study under Martin Krause, a pupil of the Hungarian composer Franz Liszt. Arrau gave his first Berlin recital in 1914. Seven years later, he returned to South America to give concerts. He made his first appearance in the United States in 1924. Arrau died on June 8, 1991.
