Danny Tan wrote:

>A friend of mine just lent me Claudio Arrau's Beethoven Piano Concerto No.1
>and 2.  ... But hearing this version is so refreshing.

No. 1 is one of Beethoven's most lyrical works, and has always been a
favorite of mine.  (No. 2, written before no. 1 but published later,
I have never cared for.) Arrau, in everything I have heard by him, has
a gentle touch, and displays a preference for broad tempi, so this would
suit No. 1 very well.  You might want to look for his performances of
Beethoven's sonatas also, and his recording of Brahms Bb Concerto with
Giulini, a kindred spirit.

Jim Tobin