Vladimir Horowitz: A Reminiscence (CD)

Vladimir Horowitz - A Reminiscence

Sony Classical: SK 89669

Franz Schubert
1. Impromptu in G-flat major, Op.90 No.3

Frederic Chopin
2. Waltz in C-sharp minor, Op.64 No.2
3. Prelude in B minor, Op.28 No.6
4. Prelude in D-flat major, Op.28 No.15 (Raindrop Prelude)

Domenico Scarlatti
5. Sonata in D major, K.491

Johann Sebastian Bach/Ferruccio Busoni
6. Chorale Prelude: Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 639

Frederic Chopin
7. Mazurka in E minor, Op.41 No.2

Sergei Rachmaninoff
8. Prelude in G-sharp minor, Op.32 No.12

Ludwig van Beethoven
9. First movement from the Moonlight Sonata, Op.27 No.2

Sergei Rachmaninoff
10. Moment Musical in B minor, Op.16 No.3

Franz Liszt
11. Consolation No.2 in E major

Alexander Scriabin
12. Feuillet d'album in E-flat major, Op.45 No.1
13. Etude in A-flat major, Op.8 No.8
14. Feuillet d'album, Op.58

Claude Debussy
15. La terrasse des audiences de clair de lune (Prelude No.7 from Book II)
16. Bruyères (Prelude No.5 from Book II)

Robert Schumann
17. Von fremden Ländern und Menschen (from Kinderszenen), Op.15 No.1
18. Träumerei (from Kinderszenen), Op.15 No.7

Horowitz Plays Popular Classics

"To be more than a virtuoso, you must first be a virtuoso." - Ferruccio Busoni

Although this CD of previously released material is being promoted as a companion to the video documentary "Vladimir Horowitz--a Reminiscence," there is little connection between the two. Rather than release a CD of pieces which Horowitz was heard playing in the film, Sony has instead chosen to release an album of "popular" piano classics. Most of the pieces on this CD are relaxed and contemplative, and there is none of Horowitz trademark diabolical virtuosity here. Nevertheless, his years with Columbia Masterworks (now Sony Classical) were fruitful ones, and the pianist won the majority of his Grammys while under contract to that label from 1962 to 1973.

Horowitz was never considered one of Schubert's greatest interpreters, but this performance of the G-flat Impromptu is notable for the pianist's uncanny ability to balance the melody against the flowing accompaniment, and for its natural phrasing and tonal beauty.

The Chopin pieces are from various Horowitz albums, including some live material. Although the playing is uniformly outstanding, one wishes Sony had included more Mazurkas, a form in which Horowitz excelled. (At 62 minutes, there would have been room for at least two more.)

Early on, Horowitz was lauded for his interpretations of the music of Rachmaninoff, his friend and mentor. The two brief pieces here, recorded live in 1968, are played with characteristic brooding melancholy. The LP from which these works were taken won Horowitz one of his many Grammys.

Two of the three Scriabin pieces here are from Horowitz' legendary all-Scriabin LP, recorded in 1972, another Grammy winner. The third piece was recorded at the same time, but not released until 1992, despite being top-flight Horowitz and Scriabin.

Although it duplicates items which Horowitz fanatics already have, this CD is ideal for the Horowitz newcomer. It is also an excellent refutation for those who still like to pigeonhole Vladimir Horowitz as a mere virtuoso.

© Hank Drake

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