(Im)perfection.

“Perfection itself is imperfection.”

Wladimir Horowitz was one of the most important piano virtuosos in history. He was born 120 years ago in Kiev, and started his concert activity while still very young. And yes, he said those words.

A true representative of the golden age of pianists, together with other greats from the same or younger generations like Sviatoslav Richter, Artur Rubinstein, Emil Gilels, Claudio Arrau, etc, Horowitz had a distinct style of performing that made him stand out.

His interpretations were nothing short of spectacular. I was always very fascinated with how he made the piano sound, and how many nuances there were to his playing.

Just like many of the elite group of Golden Age pianists, he was not concerned with executing note-perfect performances, but was comfortable taking great risks if they were in favor of the performance. You can appreciate this in his many documented recitals and concerts with orchestra.

Today, I want to share one of my favorite recordings, a small gem of a composition by Brahms made perfect in the hands of the great master Wladimir Horowitz. Is it a perfect performance? I don´t know, nor do I care. To me, there is nothing more perfect than that.

Listen to it on the Intimate Piano Playlist, it´s the very first track.

I hope you enjoy that and the rest of the pieces of this beautiful playlist I´ve recently created.

Have a great Sunday!

Claudio.

P.D. - LInk to playlist HERE.