Prokofiev: Toccata, Op. 11 [Horowitz 1930/1950]

0:00 December 30, 1930: Kingsway Hall, London, England (Studio)
3:37 March 20, 1950: Carnegie Hall, New York City, New York (Live)
Much of Sergei Prokofiev's compositional output in the early and mid-1910s consisted of stylistically bold keyboard compositions written for his own use as a pianist. The composer's Toccata (1912) belongs to this period, as do works like Sarcasms (1912-1914) and the First (1911-1912) and Second (1913) Piano Concerti. The advanced, aggressive musical language of these works led to Prokofiev's reputation as Russian music's enfant terrible, yet each demonstrates a mastery that clearly transcends mere bravura showiness. [Robert Cummings]
The piece has a well-deserved reputation as a work of formidable difficulty. There are many recordings of this toccata by many pianists today, but the youthful spirit of Horowitz still sounds amazing. His rendition goes beyond the poor recording technology of nearly 100 years ago to us with its overwhelming speed and stormy notes. Meanwhile, the 1950 performance shows a somewhat more balanced and stable interpretation.

[@mckernan603]

The 1950 performance is much more mature, it’s its own universe!

[@johnvalentine4720]

Prokofiev was one crazy cat.Lol.Absolutely love him!

[@jguinancio1]

Meu Deus, HOROWITZ foi o maior pianista de todos os tempos!!! Soberbo!!! Divino!!!!

[@ronl7131]

On Fire.....once again....what tumultuous precision .....

[@carlosguaymas6507]

¡Qué extraordinario! Ambas versiones

[@joelkatz8729]

Nobody else plays with this ferocity!

[@user-pf1ci3ue9j]

Seems 1st version is little more finely cut but the final of #2 Horowitz sends into outer space like no one else. He loves to take virtuoso pieces to the brink of suicide.

[@noshirm6285]

I think the 1947 recording he made of this piece is the best.

[@user-wl2on3vk5l]

👍👍👍👍👍👍