Horowitz in Amsterdam 1986 - Rehearsal and interview (2/2)

[@4Rachy]

I heard Horowitz live at the SanFranciscoOperaHouse in about 1978. He was 67. I I was reading Sunday paper at 2PM that Sunday afternoon and saw that at 4PM he was playing!!!!!! I lived in Rodeo, Ca. RAN to car, blasted down hiway, Got there in nick of time, bought standing room only ticket. He was fantastic! I still have the program. Now I play most all those pieces he played, as my guide.

[@louiseglenn3653]

4Rachy wow!

[@2Hearts3]

You seized a great opportunity! Good for you! Yes, what a marvel and treasure he was. And now to enjoy his playing and comments and rare personality online, glad we have this opportunity, too. So interesting to hear him mention the "singing" of the piano, so important, and the fact that he was "closer to the 19th century" and its people, its composers, its times, and music. Thanks so much.

[@PaulJones-oj4kr]

There's no pianist like Horowitz, even the other greats, like Rubenstein. Horowitz's sensitivity and power were unmatched.

[@RaineriHakkarainen]

Not True! More colorful beautiful piano sound than Horowitz=Wilhelm Kempff Emil Gilels Radu Lupu Artur Rubinstein Vladimir Ashkenazy Grigory Sokolov! More genius than Horowitz=Sviatoslav Richter Solomon Cutner Grigory Sokolov Maurizio Pollini Stanislav Bunin Maria Grinberg Murray Perahia Alexei Lubimov Dinu Lipatti Stanislav Igolinsky! More powerful louder than Horowitz=Mikhail Pletnev! The Second Loudest ever was Lazar Berman! The 3rd Loudest was Erwin Nyiregyhazi! Dimitri Bashkirov her teacher Anastasia Virsaladze teach saying to Bashkirov the most important lesson is the love of beautiful colorful piano sound! Beethoven wanted louder instruments piano fortes!

[@elizabethwilmot556]

My favorite pianist - BRILLIANT and so cute and funny! I love you Horowitz!

[@keeganandre1708]

horowitz is so full of character and personality it feels like he is still alive today

[@BachIdealized]

"I like silence more than applause...." Toronto audiences could learn a thing or two on that score....

[@grubbetuchus]

Vladimir Horowitz is just a genius of music. The mind of the maestro is always fascinating to behold. I hinged on every word.

[@Qee7en]

2:38 LMAO This is on KZbin now. Anyone can see it. If only he had known... ;)

[@dalegend5924]

Ha!

[@v4v819]

They should have disclosed that they would upload it to the internet!

[@thephilosopherofculture4559]

(9 min. in) The interviewer does not know what Horowitz is talking about when he says that hearing Liszt or Chopin play would be disappointing for modern ears. For instance, Chopin said he preferred to play his left hand like clockwork and let his right hand trail, exactly like swing jazz saxophonists play behind the progression of the chords or the rhythm within the bars. It has been written in a letter that his right hand once trailed a whole bar behind the left hand. Today in classical music that does not exist any more and that is what Horowitz is referring to. E.g. listen to Bach's Bourree in D minor by the Irish flutist Jethro Tull. Tull plays it half a count behind the rhythm of the left hand. Another aspect of Chopin's playing that Horowitz is referring to is that Chopin used extreme dynamics (like Beethoven, by the way), contemporary listeners write that sometimes Chopin played so softly that you had to be with your ear almost in the piano to hear what he played. And, of course, the piano's were very different with regard to the power of the sound and the speed of the repetition of a key. A 1989 concert grand is a totally different instrument than the grand pianos of 1810 - 1850 that Beethoven, Liszt, Chopin played. The technical inventions for the piano by Erard had not been done yet. Horowitz's remarks refer to these things but many people, like the interviewer, are completely unaware of or don't understand when it is mentioned to them, like is done here.

[@adrianbartholomew3785]

Thank you

[@Nyck461]

I never see a pianist so fun like Horowitz. He is a very happy person and play like a master.

[@Saltan1908]

no, he was not happy at all

[@grubbetuchus]

Oh, that's interesting. He said he was happy, or something to that effect. Maybe Vladimir Horowitz was not the world's foremost expert of himself? You know better than he? The many, many videos and even more interviews say otherwise than what you posit. I think most people are better served to take to heart his own words on the subject of his happiness. You might consider doing the same.

[@Pogouldangeliwitz]

@@grubbetuchus Gurl, what are you ranting about ? Just read a biography. He suffered from depression and had several mental breakdowns. He got treated with electro shocks and potato diets. He felt intimidated by his father in law and developed issues with his homosexuality when he settled to bigot Murica. From the late 1960s on he struggled with the decay of his technical means. His daughter committed suicide. He had almost no friends, only sycophants and leeches around him. Not even to mention his family back in Russia with several cases of severe mental illness. Not what I'd call a happy life. It's true though that he seemed to have found a kind of inner peace after his last crisis 1982-84.

[@alexanderdelacruz9249]

another great pianist who has seen & done it all.

[@jdbrown371]

My father and I listened to his historic Moscow concert together on VHS. Dad liked that simple little Scarlatti piece in E major. Sweet memory.

[@jjustie75]

I heard him live when I was a teenager. He cast a spell on me and it remains even after his death.

[@marounjayden]

The greatest inspiration to all pianists, and likewise for people. What a personality Horowitz had. My biggest dream would be to have heard him live.

[@michaelhayes6887]

He's so natural and relaxed like his playing. And humble. Thanks.

[@sr5719]

Rest In Peace! What an amazing talent

[@7pianoforte]

The piano piece that he plays at the end is Schubert's impromptu in G-flat major.

[@4Rachy]

OK, thanks. I can believe that and am glad others can hear this interview properly.

[@4Rachy]

A very annoying thing aboitut youtube is that there is no way to hear a clip like this continuosly. It is always stopping. Even if you walk away from the computer to come back later it is no use. Always stopping.

[@v4v819]

This aged badly...

[@bifeldman]

My heart ached watching this. He was sui generis. Many many great players, but one Horowitz.

[@MorganHayes_Composer.Pianist]

3:00 perceptive answer regarding the question about new music. Not dismissive.

[@MalabarTheGreat]

"Only shown on Dutch television,'"ha!

[@GZ9090]

I wish I could have had the pleasure of meeting him and especially hearing him play live!

[@spicecrop]

Welcome to the club.

[@mattm9042]

He was amazing. I was blessed to hear him live at Carnegie Hall in 1975 and 1978, and then again at Orchestra Hall in Chicago in 1980.

[@artymowycz]

@nqd20437 the interview was done 25 years ago, things were done a little differently back then i think.

[@ReturnOfTheStienway]

will only be shown on dutch television... not no more since its on YT

[@MLMLMNN]

what was he playing during 13:20 ? really need to know

[@MastaDamascus]

+MLMLMNN Schubert Impromptu op 90 in G flat major

[@steelbeard151]

12:27 Holy cow, imagine witnessing Horowitz playing a duet with Rachmaninov. What that must've been like.

[@thephilosopherofculture4559]

It is unfortunate that the interviewer does not understand piano music much. There are constant misunderstandings on the part of the interviewer that would not have occurred with someone who could play piano himself. E.g. the part on 'the singing of the piano'. He thinks it is the pianist that sings. It is a pity.

[@SimonPiano42]

not so interesting interview questions: why did you do this tour, why are you so popular, how do you get into the mind of a composer, would you like to hear records of chopin and liszt... though of course Horowitz is an intelligent and humble person, so his answers are still enjoyable to a degree.

[@Pogouldangeliwitz]

He often looks a bit bored. I'd be bored too by these questions.

[@StephanosAvakian]

Horowitz is not in the mood for answering questions. The interviewer does his best. Horowitz is not trying to give informed answers.

[@conorgreenwood7259]

5:04 😝

[@APotatoWT]

2:38 "This will only be shown on Dutch Television" hmm......

[@marcvold]

Does someone know what piece he is playing at the end?

[@sylviawillink4717]

Hij is zo snoezig! geweldig, ik heb alles van hem. he is so cute!

[@aeopmusic]

LOL, 0:55 so long as the audience doesn't cough too much! That's my top (and only) complaint for Vladimir Horowitz videos here on KZbin.

[@The55555SSSSS]

@tas21basel you missed this one 8:38

[@rhodemb]

Que lugar, hein, no final. What a place, is it not so , in the end.

[@marknsa]

Does anyone know why he didn't recognize his manager Peter Gelb?

[@Pogouldangeliwitz]

I think he was referring to the person with Gelb. Obviously an attractive young man.

[@tonhettema1005]

@@Pogouldangeliwitz what's that supposed to mean??

[@loudspeaker-solutions]

who shall we go to listen to today knowing about this performer?

[@martinmysteres1384]

No one I'm afraid !

[@violonista3]

This is an example of how not make an interview: the interwier is tense, talks a lot and force the man to make short responses. I am not saying that it is easy. But this is not accomplished.

[@alleespach]

Well, English is his second language, not his mother tongue. Same for Horowitz.

[@marcvold]

@tonyma02 Thanks!

[@lemontea9735]

I feel sad that I can't find an interview of the great pianist speaking in his native language, Russian.

[@richardschessworld]

Or Ukrainian

[@ronniemat193]

There is a short video on KZbin in Moscow, Horowitz asks in russian, what they wanted him to play, Rachmaninoff? And they answer in unison, yes, Rachmaninoff. I also thought why there is no interviews in Russian, and then I understood that the soviets didn't like him, they also abused his sister, I am sure that this great man enjoyed and needed freedom. If he stayed in ussr, he would be oppressed.After immigration he lived in USA, became US sitizen, his wife, Wanda, didn't have to do with russia, and in general I am sure that Horowitz as very smart person took soviets with precaution.

[@ilovetiananmen]

Oh gosh he is so funny. Like a child.

[@MorganHayes_Composer.Pianist]

‘like a child’ . Very true. I also noticed this with close contemporary Shura Cherkassky.

[@Johannes_Brahms65]

My then teacher at the conservatory obtained tickets for that sunday concert from the newspaper she wrote critics for (i remember they cost more than 80 guilders, which was a lot back then!) And they were sold out immediately. Being a teacher at the conservatory of course she totally disagreed with the way he played. However she said that he had a lot of charisma. I hate to say it but i'm quite sure that many (great) professional pianists during his lifetime were too jealous of horowits to be able to value his performances.

[@rhodemb]

So the story goes on in every level , people usually only see their belly button .

[@papagen00]

I bet your teacher wasn't born in the 19th century. She would have hated Chopin's playing also.

[@martinmysteres1384]

We know why pianists are standard then. Because of people like your conservatory Piano teacher who think there is a good and a bad way. So every child is trained by those people to go in the same boring, preconceived, "right" way. This lady should have given her ticket to someone who really needed to be there. Such a shame !

[@Johannes_Brahms65]

Well, she got the ticket because she was a critic for a high standard newspaper. And she was awefully talented as a pianist too. I really get your point and I agree with you though. However in the world of classical musicians there is a lack of balance between autocracy of the performer and space for other opinions. I sometimes wonder if great artists are secretely suffering from fear of critisism and therefore cultivate a certain attitude, which can be autoritairian and cold and distant for their pupils. Artists like Horowitz, but also Rubinstein, didn't need that at all!

[@martinmysteres1384]

​@@Johannes_Brahms65 Of course ! I like it because I can sense that you are very smart and sensible ! Honestly, a piano teacher is often someone who didn't make it as a very successful artist. Or is retired from touring when abilities have declined. A lot of anger and coldness come from this reality. Sadly, all that bitterness and mediocrity reach the children. I'm not surprised that your teacher was also the kind of person who values their own opinion to the point of having it published as a reference. But you know, I always remember what Horowitz said : "My playing is completely free", and about critics : "I don't know what they like. They put out that I play too fast or too slow or too soft or too loud". So, problem solved ! What they think doesn't matter. The public knows better !

[@caruuso]

Agreed. Richter's recordings are ruined by that senseless audience coughing. Such a nuisance. They cough not because they're ill, but because they don't want to be there.

[@jamesmiller4184]

GOOD interviewer!

[@Pogouldangeliwitz]

Not really. Doesn't let him talk. Even talks over him. Standard questions. No direction in the interview, just one question after the other without a red line.

[@tonhettema1005]

Good manners, no heart, no soul, no brain, no wit, only toothpaste..

[@hillmeu]

@nqd20437 this is the way an interview is don in the netherlands (not to critisise you)

[@misha9137]

Whoa, relax. The man was just trying to do his job. He had to perform a series of questions in a limited time frame. All the while looking and sounding professional. It is not an easy job. Especially when the interviewee is bad at english. He did not have all afternoon to discuss or understand, in any elaborate way, any of the items or intelligent concepts that Horowitz brought up. Don't mark the interviewer as "unintelligent", but rather "professional".

[@martinmysteres1384]

So, in order to be "professional", the journalist had to be standard and follow preconceived rules of interviewing. Just because there is no time to dig into what is interesting. No surprise that pianists are standard in a world where everyone needs to be standard. At least, Horowitz had the time to stress that.

[@tonhettema1005]

Stupidity is the enemy of humanity

[@videoreff]

While this interview was being set up Horowitz asked "Who will ask me questions?" "I will." "But intelligent questions." "I hope so." From the start Horowitz is unimpressed with the inane interview. Giving this chap the interview with Horowitz was like sending a 6-year-old to fight Mike Tyson.

[@papagen00]

sadly we don't have anyone left that's born in 19th century.

[@peterlever2534]

Horowitz was born in 1903

[@biopolis7]

I don't think he interrupted horowitz. Besides, horowitz is very simple himself, he is a fantastic pianist but usually doesn't say interesting things at all. Furthermore, he doesn't master english well so the poor interviewer has a hard work.

[@MorganHayes_Composer.Pianist]

Rarely less than wise, and quite quick witted. He looks quite distracted here.

[@AfroPoli]

Interesting. But that's a very annoying interviewer.

[@thiagoancelmo.clarinet]

1:13 hahahahahahahahah, 2:30 hahahahahahahahaha, 5:05,hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha, 10:56 hahahahahahahahahhaha,12:06 hahahahahahahaha, Horowitz was a giant.

[@DanielVodenitcharov]

Today i performed for my year at school and I feel Horowitz's pain - an unappreciative immature audience is disgusting

[@davidofpiano423]

Lmao! 5:03

[@tonyma02]

@marcvold Schubert's 3rd Impromptu

[@TheNiceguy1156]

was that a masonic hand shake??1:30 horowitz might have been a freemason

[@alleespach]

No, it was a geriatric handshake. Horowitz was 83 years old by then.

[@jorisjoseph]

horowitz likes mozart

[@RoyalDecapitation]

2:37 Well...no

[@thiagoancelmo.clarinet]

@The55555SSSSS hahaha, you're right,hahahaha

[@titusbeertsen]

@utubuser10 "greatest nation on earth", hm maybe it's time you take a look across the border, and see that there are other nations equally good or even better (in any kind of way; economically, culturally, mentally, etc.). I actually had to laugh when Horowitz said that, as he thought almost no-one would hear it except some dutch people. Don't take it too seriously, aren't there much more important things than chauvinism, for example: Music? ;) Greets, Titus

[@brennanrigg7309]

8:58-9:10 hails

[@Halmington]

Haha, ich verstehe German, hm?

[@MakingVidsBreh]

is he drunk? lmao

[@ronwilsontringue6574]

It looks like Horowitz but is actually LIBERACE !!

[@bboymango]

ahahah " this will only air in denmark.." not since youtube ahha