Late Period Horowitz

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 studio recording, made from 1986-1989, is an excellent example of Horowitz' 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 has 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.