I'm tired of all the negative comments on this video from posters too lazy or disinterested to understand the circumstances transpiring at the time (depressed, overmedicated, in ill general health, etc.). The critics were less-than-kind, comparing him with a cracked antique vase, if I recall correctly. Some say he should have cancelled this tour. The point is that he eventually shook it off, picked himself up, went back out fully recovered, refreshed and restored -- thanks largely to Wanda -- and ended his long and incredibly illustrious career on a high note (many of them, actually), with further touring and recording, the last one completed just FOUR DAYS before his passing. The greatness of Volodya's legacy is assured for all time! 💖
The tone, passion, and dynamics are all there. Beethoven once commented on how a performance with false notes beats a performance without feeling every time. Yes, there are moments that are sad here, but...look where he ended up going...how he ended up playing!!! Absolutely miraculous, in every sense of the word. It's easy for some to trash a low point of Vlad's career, when the high points outshone every other pianist in the known, or unknown world.
I have a totally different response to this recording. Recorded in 1983 well past the age of vigor and youthful stamina for any person. Liszt stopped performing at 30 years old ! He only taught after that. Horowitz was 80 years old for heaven's sake. There is no need to try to defend his playing, no 80 years old performs a Chopin etude, (well there was the French pianist Augustin Planté at 99) . Horowitz beastly electrifying recordings of Liszt when he was at his peak, makes it common sense that this octave etude would have been a snack for him in his peak years. But it's disservice to him to try to pretend this is any good. There are more errors and slips in this recording than any recording of any piece by any pianist. If you don't tell it like it is, those who don't know Horrowitz will think he was overhyped when he really was great when a little younger.
The beauty in this recording is that he clearly has an idea of what he wants to say through this etude, The middle section is absolutely beautiful. When you look at the entire score for this etude, it very easy to fall into the finger exercise trap. However, Horowitz keeps the focus on the music. Note - perfect pieces with no musicality, originality, and depth of soul are just noise.
Sure, it's a mess...from the point of view of someone who struggles to play it AT ALL. But even at his worst, Horowitz is still head and shoulders above anyone else in the virtuosity stakes. If I could play as badly as Horowitz (on his worst day), I'd consider myself blessed.
Our hero was not having an easy time in the early 1980s, but better days were to come which did rightful service to his legacy. This etude may be a mishmash of wrong notes, but Horowitz brings out the haunting beauty of the middle section better than most pianists. And his magic shines through occasionally even in the outer sections. A touching testimony to the frailty of the human being and of art itself and how beauty transcends the decay of its material existence.
Not the best rendition by far, but a truly historical and monumental recording: things, such as this, may happen to everyone, even the greatest. Humans err, and pianists are humans too. That's why this particular recording has my deepest respect.
I don't think it's bad at all. If I did, I wouldn't have uploaded it. We all agree that it's not Horowitz at his best, though. As I have said, despite Horowitz's shocking inaccuracies, there are still 'moments of genius.
Op. 25 no. 10 is one of the most difficult piece in Chopin's etude collection. One should look deeper into the pianist's musicality and the artistry of technique. And the musicians should not judge by the note that is being missed in performance, because they are just human, not a machine!
Horowitz wasn't always in his eighties. Listen to recordings from the 1940s. This performance is a totally unfair portrayal of the greatest pianist who ever lived.
@@andrewkennaugh4294 I’m grateful that he continued through these terrible years. He recovered and later gave the world the most astonishing performances.
Personally would disagree with the whole "greatest pianist" part but yh this performance is definitely not the best representation of such a great pianist.
I do hear the genius hidden behind the mess of wrong notes - the phrasing and dynamics are on a level that most pianists do not have the touch or maturity to reach. I don't agree with the staccato style of playing the octaves though - interesting alternative approach but it clearly wasn't Chopin's intention and kind of defeats the purpose of the study.
Despite the schoking mistakes, i have never heard someone play the middle theme so beautifuly, for a moment it just seems like the usual horowitz comes back, not on medical drugs or depression, in that middle theme it just doesnt seem like it
Мне кажется , бывают такие записи, даже у великих мастеров, которые, если выкладываются, то стоит делать какие-либо пояснения. По поводу условий и обстоятельств записи, биографических моментов и т.п. Ради адекватного восприятия...
Согласен с Вами, на сколько я знаю, эта запись была сделана в тяжёлый период, когда Горовицу приходилось принимать препараты тормозящие всю нервную систему и мышление в том числе, но даже в такой ситуации... Как звучит средняя часть...
Soy yo el unico que notó la inconmensurable cantitad de notas falsas? Y la extraña posición de las muñecas... Y notas que no sonaron durante la parte media. :v Supongo que casi todos los que comentan "Uyyyy que bonito!!" No se saben ni un villancico. Xd
Es lo interesante, a pesar de estar en las peores etapas de su vida, bajo medicacion pesada, y en su vejez, logra tocar de una forma extraordinaria en el sentido musical. No se de musica, pero busca otras interpretaciones de este estudio modernas, y si bien lo tocan casi sin errores y de forma perfecta, no se siente la misma emocion y sentimientos que en esta interpretacion. Horowitz era un maestro en hacer eso, y eso se puede ver incluso en sus peores interpretaciones. Facilmente pudo tocarlo despacio y a la facil, para no arriesgarse a equivocarse tanto, pero el prefirio tocarlo con emocion a pesar de los errores, a tocar sin emocion. Lo interesante y motivador para mi fue como se recupero, en sus ultimos años se recupero de la depresion y regreso a tocar y nos dio unas de las mejores interpretaciones que hay, tal vez superandose a si mismo, aun estando viejo y a pocos años de morir.
Whst the hell! Why are you picking up mistakes every pianists make mistakes can you play faster without single mistakes every pianist used to make mistakes always this sort comments irritates me.... Look at his age and his dedication stop commenting like a wierd person
Very bad accented and very staccato.This supposed to be a legato etude...And of course don't get me started with the wrong notes! I wish I could hear ONE right note in there...It really sounds as if the whole piece was being played by luck! Generally not Chopin at all! And just to avoid misunderstandings...I adore Horowitz!That was definitely not his moment...
Nishant Modak When you are 80 it's not proper to show off playing a piece with such a difficulty as this one butchering it completely.. You just play for your concerts a beautiful Waltz,a Mazurka,stuff like that.Every artist has to keep his prestige high and with dignity when he gets old and not leave a bad taste to the fans after retiring...
I'm tired of all the negative comments on this video from posters too lazy or disinterested to understand the circumstances transpiring at the time
(depressed, overmedicated, in ill general health, etc.).
The critics were less-than-kind, comparing him with a cracked antique vase, if I recall correctly. Some say he should have cancelled this tour. The point is that he eventually shook it off, picked himself up, went back out fully recovered, refreshed and restored -- thanks largely to Wanda -- and ended his long and incredibly illustrious career on a high note (many of them, actually), with further touring and recording, the last one completed just FOUR DAYS before his passing. The greatness of Volodya's legacy is assured for all time! 💖
the slow central section leaves all the competition in the shade.
I see you everywhere lol
The tone, passion, and dynamics are all there. Beethoven once commented on how a performance with false notes beats a performance without feeling every time. Yes, there are moments that are sad here, but...look where he ended up going...how he ended up playing!!! Absolutely miraculous, in every sense of the word. It's easy for some to trash a low point of Vlad's career, when the high points outshone every other pianist in the known, or unknown world.
I have a totally different response to this recording. Recorded in 1983 well past the age of vigor and youthful stamina for any person. Liszt stopped performing at 30 years old ! He only taught after that. Horowitz was 80 years old for heaven's sake. There is no need to try to defend his playing, no 80 years old performs a Chopin etude, (well there was the French pianist Augustin Planté at 99) . Horowitz beastly electrifying recordings of Liszt when he was at his peak, makes it common sense that this octave etude would have been a snack for him in his peak years. But it's disservice to him to try to pretend this is any good. There are more errors and slips in this recording than any recording of any piece by any pianist. If you don't tell it like it is, those who don't know Horrowitz will think he was overhyped when he really was great when a little younger.
that middle section was absolutely gorgeus and unique without being pretentious
i love what horowitz made , and what he wants to make, and every mistakes , his Ideas about this Etude are great!!! Love HOROWITZ
The beauty in this recording is that he clearly has an idea of what he wants to say through this etude, The middle section is absolutely beautiful. When you look at the entire score for this etude, it very easy to fall into the finger exercise trap. However, Horowitz keeps the focus on the music. Note - perfect pieces with no musicality, originality, and depth of soul are just noise.
The middle section is superb and the return to the first theme
Sure, it's a mess...from the point of view of someone who struggles to play it AT ALL. But even at his worst, Horowitz is still head and shoulders above anyone else in the virtuosity stakes. If I could play as badly as Horowitz (on his worst day), I'd consider myself blessed.
He's still was one of the greatest classical pianists of the 20th century despite this performance.
Our hero was not having an easy time in the early 1980s, but better days were to come which did rightful service to his legacy. This etude may be a mishmash of wrong notes, but Horowitz brings out the haunting beauty of the middle section better than most pianists. And his magic shines through occasionally even in the outer sections. A touching testimony to the frailty of the human being and of art itself and how beauty transcends the decay of its material existence.
We all have a bad day and this is Horowitz's bad day.
Daniela Laura more like worst day
I agreed
Not the best rendition by far, but a truly historical and monumental recording: things, such as this, may happen to everyone, even the greatest. Humans err, and pianists are humans too. That's why this particular recording has my deepest respect.
Maybe a million mistakes but so what ????still breath taking as always!
skimask777 I agree with you and not to mention he is 80 in the vid
wow amazing for such an old pianist
Seriously, you think this is bad? I feel this performance is far better than 98% of today's technicians.
I don't think it's bad at all. If I did, I wouldn't have uploaded it. We all agree that it's not Horowitz at his best, though. As I have said, despite Horowitz's shocking inaccuracies, there are still 'moments of genius.
What Ive read he was heavy medicated and also had alcohol problems at this time.
Op. 25 no. 10 is one of the most difficult piece in Chopin's etude collection. One should look deeper into the pianist's musicality and the artistry of technique. And the musicians should not judge by the note that is being missed in performance, because they are just human, not a machine!
Imagine young Horowitz on form playing this...
he may have missed some notes, but he nails the interpretation
But nonetheless, Horowitz is Horowitz.
Horowitz wasn't always in his eighties. Listen to recordings from the 1940s. This performance is a totally unfair portrayal of the greatest pianist who ever lived.
Brendel and Ashkenazy quit more or less at the top.Why stay on and embarrass yourself and your friends...?!
@@andrewkennaugh4294
He didn’t embarrass himself. Don’t be foolish. Brendel and Askenazy NEVER played on the level of Horowitz in his prime.
@@andrewkennaugh4294 I’m grateful that he continued through these terrible years. He recovered and later gave the world the most astonishing performances.
Personally would disagree with the whole "greatest pianist" part but yh this performance is definitely not the best representation of such a great pianist.
@@andrewkennaugh4294
Brendel and Ashkenazy were never at the top.
Who needs Les Dawson when you have Horowitz...
I think it sounds very nice. I'm a vocalist and couldn't play this "bad" even on my best days.
I do hear the genius hidden behind the mess of wrong notes - the phrasing and dynamics are on a level that most pianists do not have the touch or maturity to reach. I don't agree with the staccato style of playing the octaves though - interesting alternative approach but it clearly wasn't Chopin's intention and kind of defeats the purpose of the study.
Despite the schoking mistakes, i have never heard someone play the middle theme so beautifuly, for a moment it just seems like the usual horowitz comes back, not on medical drugs or depression, in that middle theme it just doesnt seem like it
Shocking inaccuracies, so true... But beautiful... :)
저 연세로 이런 곡을 치시다니 대단합니다.. : )
many wrong notes indeed.. but his tone color... perhaps the best pianist ever lived.
Horowitz's wrong notes are more interesting than any pianist right notes.
Мне кажется , бывают такие записи, даже у великих мастеров, которые, если выкладываются, то стоит делать какие-либо пояснения. По поводу условий и обстоятельств записи, биографических моментов и т.п. Ради адекватного восприятия...
Согласен с Вами, на сколько я знаю, эта запись была сделана в тяжёлый период, когда Горовицу приходилось принимать препараты тормозящие всю нервную систему и мышление в том числе, но даже в такой ситуации... Как звучит средняя часть...
Still better than you
He had a lot of bad days
Makes me feel so much better on a bad day XD
ANd i'd have struggle cuz my hands are too small i guess :P
ممتاز جدا
i Still like, to be honest, this isn't a easy one, and is hard to find a good performance, but it could have been better
ummmmmdesastre
very sad! he didnt even succeed to play the legato in the octaves! however i guess he played that very well in his earlier period
Horrowitz should of just played easier repertoire
He's worst concert
Soy yo el unico que notó la inconmensurable cantitad de notas falsas? Y la extraña posición de las muñecas... Y notas que no sonaron durante la parte media. :v Supongo que casi todos los que comentan "Uyyyy que bonito!!" No se saben ni un villancico. Xd
Es lo interesante, a pesar de estar en las peores etapas de su vida, bajo medicacion pesada, y en su vejez, logra tocar de una forma extraordinaria en el sentido musical.
No se de musica, pero busca otras interpretaciones de este estudio modernas, y si bien lo tocan casi sin errores y de forma perfecta, no se siente la misma emocion y sentimientos que en esta interpretacion. Horowitz era un maestro en hacer eso, y eso se puede ver incluso en sus peores interpretaciones.
Facilmente pudo tocarlo despacio y a la facil, para no arriesgarse a equivocarse tanto, pero el prefirio tocarlo con emocion a pesar de los errores, a tocar sin emocion.
Lo interesante y motivador para mi fue como se recupero, en sus ultimos años se recupero de la depresion y regreso a tocar y nos dio unas de las mejores interpretaciones que hay, tal vez superandose a si mismo, aun estando viejo y a pocos años de morir.
Is this a joke?
Ethan what?
Is it like a shred or something?
Horrible , he would be ashamed of it.
Horowitz plays this etude too slow and full of mistakes :(
Well his own doguter suicide back then and he was under a lot of antideprtion pills
Whst the hell! Why are you picking up mistakes every pianists make mistakes can you play faster without single mistakes every pianist used to make mistakes always this sort comments irritates me.... Look at his age and his dedication stop commenting like a wierd person
The Most overrated Pianist ...
Did you even listen to that middle section or just stopped likr 15 seconds in, its the most beautiful ever played, no one has ever come close imho
So bad.....
As always... nothing to do with Chopin. More like variations on Chopin themes.
Very bad accented and very staccato.This supposed to be a legato etude...And of course don't get me started with the wrong notes! I wish I could hear ONE right note in there...It really sounds as if the whole piece was being played by luck! Generally not Chopin at all! And just to avoid misunderstandings...I adore Horowitz!That was definitely not his moment...
he was 80 yrs old during the performance
Nishant Modak When you are 80 it's not proper to show off playing a piece with such a difficulty as this one butchering it completely.. You just play for your concerts a beautiful Waltz,a Mazurka,stuff like that.Every artist has to keep his prestige high and with dignity when he gets old and not leave a bad taste to the fans after retiring...
Fuck you, Demian.
@@Legato949 Fuck you
@ֺ Oook...
should be deleted very bad!!! what a pity!!!
You should be deleted! How DARE YOU!
sean44david do you even know how old he was while playing. not only that , you want a piano video to be deleted whose piano player himself is deleted
he was 80 yeas old and u expect him to play like when he was 30?
rien a foutre!!!!!!! he was sick and depressiv thays all
j'ai honte pour la race humaine en lisant ce commentaire