No interpreter I've heard brings more artistic integrity and commitment to his performances than does Claudio Arrau. Of course, he is present--I can recognize his playing in the huge, golden strumming sound drawn from a single chord. Yet more than Arrau, I hear Beethoven recreated. In fact, to call Arrau an "interpretter" feels off the mark. "Recreation" is the best word I can call to mind. There are details to cherish--details of voicing, phrasing, articulation and rubato--in every bar of these pieces. And the trills! Arrau's trills are phrases in themselves, melodies composed of no more than two alternating pitches. Haitink and the Concertgebow partner with Arrau beautifully and the Phillips recording quality is excellent, calling no attention to itself. Don't let the bargain price fool you, this is art of the highest order.