Arrau plays Liszt Bénédiction de Dieu dans la solitude (Part 1)

[aardvaark069]

It's as though Arrau lingers on every single note. Each note in this score was given concentrated attention. Such care with every note, that is Arrau's hallmark. What a great performance of a really wonderful piece of music.

[9samten]

A most beautiful, pure performance of this contemplative piece.

[gerardbedecarter]

A magnificent performance by Claudio Arrau. This piece was a personal favourite of the composer (certainly in the 1850s).

[BreezyGraffiti]

I prefer this version to Bolet's. I listened to Bolet's and was untouched. Came to Arrau and was moved beyond belief. As always, Arrau is one of the true masters of Liszt. It's a shame that Liszt is so often taken only for his virtuoso works and the impressive bombastic exercises. He has so many pieces which rival the poetry of Chopin and the profundity of Beethoven so as this one, which so often go un-played in favor of a Rhapsody or an etude. It is a joy to find his true art played so well.

[Spiritakis]

I really don't see why one should praise this recording to the skies at expense of Jorge Bolet's one, as arturon111 does. But perhaps the guy has to pass the puberty.

Personally, I wouldn't be without either performance. Stupendous rendition by Claudio Arrau - as expected. Quite different than Bolet's one, but unforgettable as well.

[BlitzWotan]

I rather respect Liszt, who has composed this "story" at the age of 21

[arturon111]

this is one of the ALLTIME best recordings of any music. Arrau plays this piece in an unsurplassable way,.... no one can come even close to the beauty and perfection as this performance,...

[MartinVanBoven]

Agree. Again, the amount of musicality "story" that Arrau puts into the music and manages to project onto the listener is unsurpassed!