Did you know Vladimir Horowitz is considered one of the greatest pianist of the 20th century? I was ashamed that I did not when my boss, Linda Wehrli suggested him as our next Music History 101 Blog feature. Here is what I discovered.
Born in Kiev, Ukraine on October 1, 1903, Horowitz’ mother (also a pianist) provided lessons for him at an early age. Displaying early talent for the instrument, Horowitz enrolled in the Kiev Conservatory in 1912, and upon graduation in 1919, performed Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30 by Sergei Rachmaninov. At the conservatory, Horowitz was taught by Vladimir Puchalsky, Sergei Tarnowsky, and Felix Blumenfeld. His father respected his talent so greatly that he changed his son’s age by listing his birth year as 1904 to avoid military service! Now that’s good parenting!
Horowitz soon began performing throughout Russia, where he was often paid with bread, butter and chocolate rather than money, due to the country’s economic hardships. Famous for his expert technique and ability to portray excitement through his music, he performed internationally in cities such as Berlin, London, and New York City, and eventually became a U.S. citizen in 1944. Although tremendously successful, he began doubting his abilities (as is expected with a true artist). His insecurities prevented him from performing from 1936 – 1985! However, during this time, Horowitz continued to record music. He completed his final recording for Sony Classical just 4 days before passing away on November 5, 1989.
For all the vibrant energy of his playing, Horowitz seldom raised his hands higher than the piano’s fallboard. His body was immobile, and his face rarely reflected anything other than intent concentration.
Known for his performances of the Romantic piano repertoire, Horowitz’ first recording of the Franz Liszt‘s sonata in 1932 is still considered by some aficionados as the best performance of that piece, after almost 75 years and over 100 performances by other pianists! Now that’s a compliment. To this day, Vladimir Horowitz is considered one of the greatest pianist of all time.
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Jessica Lee Sanders is the office manager at Pastimes for a Lifetime Art and Piano School, Valley Glen, CA (near Sherman Oaks).
For over 25 years, Pastimes for a Lifetime has been providing innovative and inspiring piano lessons to children, teens, adults and seniors. Programs are designed to bring out the inner musician in each and every student.
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I played the video of his Chopin Ballade at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhnRIuGZ_dc . Absolutely striking, professional and impressive! His control of tempo and loudness is amazing. So is his precision and speed. I can see why his audience was so enthusiastic over him.
Thank you for your comments. Indeed.
There are some inaccuracies in this article with regards to Vladimir Horowitz not performing between 1936 and 1985. In fact, Vladimir Horowitz gave many recitals during this period, and even appeared on the Ted Mack Amateur hour (television) during the 1960s. This was an unusual appearance, since Ted typically only introduced aspiring artists, with an occasional artist that the public already new. The facial expression of Ted when Vladimir came on to the stage was nothing less than shock, and I recall him stating “Ladies and Gentlemen, I our next guest is hardly an amateur, and will now play us a movement from Chopin’s Piano Concerto Number II”.
This was the first time I heard Vladimir Horowitz, but heard him many times after that. I saw him perform live in Los Angeles in the 1970s, and his performance then was equally inspiring. And I heard him again in the early 80s in Seattle. And though he didn’t get out as much as he did when he was younger, he still did perform publicly.
I don’t think the reason he quit playing was because of insecurities, but because he was worn out from travel, and no longer enjoyed such long travels. The reason he played less frequently is a common misperception for people who didn’t know him. And for those who had seen him at his home, they will tell you that his site reading and improvisation skills were just as equally impressive as his performances.
Thank you for the thoughtful and insightful reply. It must have been magical to hear Vladimir Horowitz in concert. What a treat it must have been for you. Thank you for sharing with my readers.
I first heard Vladimir Horowitz on the radio in 1953. It was his last recital before a long Sabbatical that lasted until 1965 at which time he returned to the concert stage at Carnegie Hall. I was one of many who stood on line around the block on 57th street in Manhattan waiting to purchase tickets to the ultimate pianist. When I first heard him I was a student of the piano and was astounded with his unimaginable technique, with his musicality and sonority. He became my hero and a push back to the contemporary raucous music of the time I grew up in. Once in my car I pulled up to another car with kids my age loudly playing rock music, I turned the volume of my record player up high with Horowitz playing the Carmen Fantasy that out volumed their rock music and one of these kids turned to me and asked, “Who’s that?” “Horowitz! ” I said , and sped off like I had just described the Lone Ranger. Over the years I managed to go every concert Horowitz gave at Carnegie Hall. Just recently I saw the video of him playing Rachmaninov’s
3rd concerto conducted by Zubin Mehta. Thanks to modern technology and You Tube that recording says it all. Without any doubt, Horowitz is a metaphor for God in man. Horowitz is not only the perfection of human achievement as a pianist but he is more. It’s reflected in his ageless spirt. His playing mirrors what is in all of us, that we need to access, the limitless energy of love and creativity, and something not limited by physical age. It need not be defined but is there to be felt and seen in his great performance. He seems to be channeling God . He is the Big Bang. He is the universe expanding in a whirl wind of gorgeous sound creating musical explosions that go on and on after the last note is played . I am now 86 years old and have been a Horowitzophile all my life. I sculpted a portrait of him and his hands which are permanently exhibited in his archives at The Yale University Music Library