Letter signed by Claudio Arrau (1948)

The great Chilean pianist Claudio Arrau praises a renowned Brazilian colleague for his teaching talents.

Letter written and signed by Claudio Arrau, to Joseph Kliass. One page. In English. 18 cm x 26.5 cm. New York, February 5, 1948. Good condition. Single piece.

Extract

We all have definite theories about teaching, and there are many ways to develop fine-tuned pianists. At the same time, there is a special art to bringing out the best in people. I know few teachers who have this quality more than you.

Chilean Claudio Arrau (1903 - 1991) started playing the piano at the age of 4 and has had one of the longest and most admired careers in classical music. Like his friend Kliass, Arrau studied with Krause, the last pupil of Franz Liszt. A specialist in compositions by Chopin, Schumann, Brahms, Liszt and Beethoven, his exceptional recordings are world references to this day. A true legend in Chile, Claudio Arrau fled the Pinochet regime, asking for American citizenship.

Joseph Kliass, famous pianist from São Paulo, studied in Germany with Krause, the last student of Franz Liszt; lived with great musicians and intellectuals of the time and created a collection.

This letter is unique for its content, between two pianist friends, both world-renowned.