Joseph B. (joebellanca) from MALVERN, PA Reviewed on 9/11/2009...
Horowitz is always almost perfect!
1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
CD Reviews
Fine Late Period Horowitz
Hank Drake | Cleveland, OH United States | 03/30/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Toward the end of his career, Vladimir Horowitz had distilled his art to the bare essentials. Gone were the leonine fortissimos and occasional hysteria of the 1940s, replaced with a new simplicity. This recording, taped in the living room of his New York townhouse in 1989, is an excellent example of Horowitz's late period. The Mozart selections recall the fabled clarity of his Scarlatti playing. Horowitz, 85 at the time of this recording, may not thunder as powerfully as he did during his youth, but he is as in command of his fingers than ever. Although Horowitz has been referred to as a Romantic pianist, his performance of Mozart's Adagio in B Minor is classical in its simplicity.
The Schubert/Liszt Standchen is be one of the greatest piano recordings ever made. Horowitz' control of dynamics and shading make it sound as if the piece was being played on three pianos at once. The two Soirees de Vienne are a virtuosic delight, and the perfect conclusion to a wonderful recording.
Highest recommendation."
True piano lovers should buy it without hesitation!
Hank Drake | 10/22/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Horowitz's playing in his last years was beyond any comparison and very different from his earlier playing, and this DG recording, with "Horowitz in Moscow," should be the first CD to recommend to people who haven't loved Horowitz's playing! Horowitz's greatest Mozart playing is here. It's simply magical and irresistible. I listened to the delightful performance of the Sonata with a smile on my face until the end! The other pieces are also played with great mastery and beauty."
My favorite CD!
Hank Drake | 08/19/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD has been one of my favorite CD for over 10 years. Horowitz is at his best, and perhaps I can add, most charming. His Mozart is glorious and colorful. I cannot recall anyone who consistantly plays with such a singing tone. His playing has so much sparkle! Schubert and Schubert-Liszt selections are simply delicious. I never get tired of listening to this CD. Great CD!"
Possibly the best classical piano CD ever!
C. G. Loudon | Scotland, United Kingdom | 06/06/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have listened to many classical CDs -piano is my favourite -and this is my favourite CD. I have actually sat with my family and listened to Misuko Uchida's recording of one of the Mozart sonatas (I think the K540 adagio) against Volodya's and there is no comparison. If you only buy one classical piano CD buy this!"
Vladimir Horowitz plays Mozart, Schubert and Liszt; the musi
Medusa | Troy, MI | 11/10/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The music of Mozart, which can at times seem too technical and precise, has never been played with such passion and beauty. Horowitz has once again shown us why he was the master of his instrument.
Enjoy and pay special attention to the Mozart Adagio in B minor; marvelous, but do not forget to enjoy the exquisite beauty of the Schubert and Liszt as well.
This Album will never get old, this is a must have for every classic music collection.