Vladimir Horowitz plays Chopin Polonaise in A flat Major, Op.53 "Heroic" Polonaise

[@gabrielgan2971]

To play a wrong note is insignificatn, to play without passion is unexcusable - Beethoven

[@joshbonner9409]

I can’t stand when someone plays without passion!

[@marcellocoimbra4540]

His interpretation is marvelous!

[@dcunited710]

That doesn’t hold in the 21st century. Has to play correct notes and with passion lol

[@johannekjeldsen1043]

He was a child of his time and part of a historical tradition. People came to hear a legend, just as they came to hear Callas, when she was long past her prime. I heard Emil Gilels in Tchaikowsky's first piano concerto in Copenhagen 1980. Fans were crowding outside the entrance and wanted to buy my ticket for a tripple sum. After the concert I thought, was that really it? Of course Gilels played technically good but at the same time strangely lethargic.I have heard dozens of better more passionated performances from lesser known artists.

[@BurningSky9]

​@@dcunited710​ I'd much rather see Horowitz's Rachmaninoff 3rd than Yuja or Trifonov's. Or I'd rather listen to Argerich's 'Gaspard de la nuit' at the age of 83 than Debargue's or Thibaudet's.

[@a690ac52ed7]

Horowitz' mistakes are better than most people's perfection.

[@Mike1614YT]

he's one of the best pianists ever. even at 83. unbelievable

[@sierrajuliet7759]

Horowitz vs. Rubenstein's heroic polonaise? No way.

[@soundscape3065]

he doesn't make mistakes. Only happy accidents.

[@matteogenerani5097]

Agree

[@leifsinclair9368]

I think being able to play the piece through with freedom and engagement is worth a few mistakes.

[@donrose1841]

I just listened to Lang Lang playing this Polonaise and then Horowitz. Lang is precise, like an old pianola. Horowitz is give the music colour, depth and what can only be described as pure musicality., I am trying to get my head around why Lang Lang is the most prominent concert pianist in the world today. Yes, every note is there but I fail to hear the pure musicality that Horowitz imbues. OK abuse me for not showing the worshipful admiration of Lang Lang. I have also listened to Augerich and found her equally entrancing. I sit in awe of Lang Lang's technique. But I am deeply moved by Horowitz.

[@kaikei1013]

I agree! I prefer this to Lang Lang's interpretation. Kissin's is too powerful. Horowitz makes it sound regal and classy. Still, I adore all three pianists.

[@wholeNwon]

Horowitz alone paints vivid images in my mind as I listen totally absorbed.

[@c.danjou7343]

Horowitz is one of the greatest, but Lang Lang is still young, and it's avenir is still in front of him. I've heard him with Barenboim, and I appreciate very much for a young man learning from an older one. Both of them are very talented.

[@earthtransient]

agree 100%

[@Lamentable5]

Way.

[@SilverSack]

He played it slower, with more mistakes and with less showmanship than Lang Lang. But I like Horwitz better. Therein lies my problem with lang lang. Music is so much more than playing fast and well and Horowitz puts so much more into his music than just speed and perfection. What a man! So glad we have his recordings.

[@cme1447]

Lang lang has no heroic feelings he just fakes emotions

[@mydeadsaint]

he is 80 years old too

[@DonJoeJoe745]

No. Horowitz played perfectly. That's what perfection is

[@drym74]

Agree. Also, many pieces don't benefit from extra speed. That's why I like Horowithz version better than most - it's not rushed, there is time to highlight all that's important. His version feels more impactful and emotional. Same goes for me with Grimaud's interpretation of Tempest, Zimmerman's concertos etc.

[@rikxdragneel5290]

I never liked how lang lang plays any of the pieces

[@SilverSack]

No mistakes, just happy little accidents. 😀

[@flyingkittenmeme3194]

-Bob Ross

[@TheN0mersy]

@@flyingkittenmeme3194 and then beat the devil out of it

[@hassansoliman970]

Old Horowitz, old fingers, still impresses me more than many young healthy pianists in perfect shape, I just came from a quick tour, I listened to many 'young healthy' pianists, NONE of them ignites my spirit like old bad ass Horowitz❤

[@chrisg1621]

Straight up rockstar.

[@luciatat4084]

It’s not about being young or old but about who someone is inside...

[@beastasfiist]

@@luciatat4084 Of course it's physically harder for old hands to play

[@ommgafar2010]

Never mind the fingers or the age, it is the heart and spirit.

[@FTATA23]

I agree with you. In a documentary Horowitz’s wife or some one said that he seldom practiced. I much prefer him!!

[@adrianotgonzaya4478]

You'll never know how brilliant this is untill you try to play it yourself

[@agustinmilano6839]

aight... I like those odds lol

[@neinja66469]

@@agustinmilano6839 famous last words lol

[@giovanniguggia2399]

Absolutely, after months of studying this piece, I still watch this version over and over

[@cynthiagonzalez658]

I was able to play it a few times imperfectly when I had a good teacher, then gave up & got too busy with veterinary college. Regretted not exerting more attention to the music.

[@pereztube2]

He plays this with so much soul and heroic spirit. Other pianists, even in all their "perfection" dont give me goosebumps like this does.

[@barrygilbert-morris3449]

I cannot believe that any person could in any way fault this performance. This is one of the best renditions of this piece ever. I didn't even see sheet music. Wow !

[@roseb4578]

I will add another Wow !

[@maggiewrench8406]

Without doubt one of the greats .

[@anthonyb2745]

I agree, however no concert pianist would use sheet music to play this piece. They don’t use them for 45 minute concertos; they’re not going to need it for a 6 minute Polonaise.

[@artmontesa1]

Do not allow those idiots to bother you, us.

[@abehambino]

Have you ever seen the sheet music for the polonaise? No one who can play it would be bothered with such nonsense at a concert!

[@margieguilfordwoman]

Mr. Horowitz, This IS your song...You have made it like no other...Thank you...

[@tomoakhill8825]

I heard him live, in solo concert, four times, starting when he was 76. The amazing thing was not the perfection of each and every note, because he made mistakes. NO the amazing thing was how he brought the music to life, and gave it such true and powerful emotion.

[@uliwidmaier5192]

How wonderful! What recitals did you attend? Were you at one of the 1979 recitals where he played the Schumann Humoreske and the Mephisto Waltz? I missed those, unfortunately. I heard him in 1978 (Carnegie Hall, all Chopin), 1980 (Avery Fisher Hall, Schumann/Mendelssohn/Rachmaninoff/Chopin), 1982 (London, Scarlatti/Chopin/Liszt), 1985 (Paris, Scarlatti/Mozart/Schubert/Scriabin/Chopin), and 1986 (Hamburg, Scarlatti/Schumann Kreisleriana/Rachmaninoff/Liszt).

[@uliwidmaier5192]

Horowitz's wrong notes have little to do with age. He played lots of wrong notes all his life. He was never interested in playing note-perfect. He once said, "I don't want to be Jascha Heifetz" (violinist Jascha Heifetz was famous for the perfection of his playing). Part of the reason for these wrong notes is that he takes huge risks and sets himself near-unsurmountable challenges at all times, playing with extreme transparency, dynamic contrast, rhythmic tension, polyphony, differential articulations of different voices, and so on. At such a level of total musical and technical engagement, with nothing held in reserve, things do go (slightly) wrong on occasion.

[@jackcurley1591]

Horowitz at his best… an all time performance for me!!!

[@tarvainenKris]

I hope to still be playing at this mans age, when he played this beautiful performance!! Bravo !!

[@heliotrope3345]

I love the emotion he puts into it, he feels it more than just playing it.

[@Kuulei265]

I can ALWAYS tell that Horowitz is playing when I hear a tune on the radio. No one hit those keys quite like him! True “Master” of the piano!

[@AlexSCAVINO]

I love horowitz interpration of polonaise's chopin. My piano teacher told me once or twice that if there is some mistakes you could keep playing if there is your heart and if the rythm is there. We could apologize for his old age, his interpration is magnificent

[@ancaioana1722]

Câte degete are omul asta?????!!!! Și cât suflet???!!!! Impresionant la fiecare fraza!! Divin!

[@jozehar9985]

You guys need to realize that his mere presence at the piano was all people wanted. It was much like an old Sinatra, Pavarotti, or even Michael Jordan when he was on the Wizards. People just wanted to see the greatest and their magic one last time, regardless of limitations due to age.

[@marukchozt6744]

The low notes on this piano is absolutely stunning

[@magicalcheesetheshitposter109]

man... that crescendo from the lower octave main theme to the higher octave is crazy good!

[@maikolmaru1902]

Pure heavy metal.

[@jordanmorris4090]

I keep watching others play this, and yet, I keep coming back to Horowitz. There are many, many difficult aspects to this piece: fast-moving chords, awkward and unnatural fingering, range, and so many other things that would take me a lifetime to even learn to play the notes. However, what Horowitz understands (and more importantly, executes) is that this piece is almost an orchestral piece written for a single instrument: there are notes which are to be emphasized, and notes which are background. What makes it more difficult is these primary notes are often played by the same hand among other background ones. A good example of the orchestral writing I'm talking about is at the very beginning, when the main theme is introduced (0:41). To me, I hear a clarinet playing the main melody over a pizzicato string section followed by a coupling with the first and second violins; oboe briefly takes over the theme at 0:58 and and the top three string voices join a woodwind chorus before a glissando and the brass joins for a full orchestra You just don't hear this sort of 'voicing' by anyone but Horowitz. Horowitz may not be the only one to realize how it should be played, but he is by far the only one to pull it off

[@tagexing]

IMHO, this is still the most magnificent performance of this polonaise on youtube

[@doltbezoar]

Heroic 83-year-old hands - amazing.

[@siegfriedhuber]

Heard this about 30 years ago, in Radio. Horowitz played it in Vienna, I was stunned. I had it on tape recorder, during my university time it brought me through a few dark hours!!! I am very grateful for that peace of music and tge inetrpreter!!

[@jatkin02]

This video is from that Vienna recital. He performed only two more concerts after this one.

[@00Gym_Motivational_Shorts]

I love his face in the end

[@calogerospina2456]

Errori o senza errori, tanto di cappello al vecchio maestro, maestro di musica e non solo... Che magnifica persona. Ottima interpretazione, lui si che suona davvero con passione e amore

[@marcominelli2578]

Penso all'orgoglio di Toscanini di averlo come genero

[@deeb2021]

Magnificent, beautiful. Loved listening to Horwitz.

[@deejones8552]

Same here amazing

[@markhigham2505]

This is the best you will ever witness, the power,the finesse, the love, a truly remarkable performance and life.

[@bettyemyer6822]

He plays with such emotion -- allowing me to experience Chopin anew.

[@jojoletyran447]

I guess this piano still remember the last time someone played that well on him...an immortal love 😌

[@marcominelli2578]

Prova di abilità in cui ogni grande pianista apporta la propria interpretazione. Chopin è pura poesia. Horowitz immenso talento.

[@lorena_books9500]

*The fact that this has less views than despacito shows how people appreciate music* 😔 Excellent work well done👍🏼😍

[@funkyskill1961]

It only gets worse, the amount of view this video has isn't even as big as one hundreth of a percent of the ones from despacito... Then again, the people who know of this piece can enjoy it no matter how many views it has!

[@samthepianoman]

Cris TR so true

[@mejia1911]

300 years from now people will still be listening to this and not despacito 😁

[@eatyourcereal1381]

This genre does not have the same level of contagious diffusion in popular culture that pop music does. If you gave people the internet 200 years ago this would be the front page of the internet

[@michelangelovaccaro8191]

Obviously we all know that this pice is more difficult than singing despacito🤦🏻‍♂️

[@GouganeBarra-u4t]

What a magnificent piece this is. I love the bom bom bom bom left hand octave section, it's rather unique. This piece, and Ballade No.1 showcases Chopins unique genius. Well played Mr Horowitz ! You brought great sounds out of the piano.

[@Mahdi-ug1qy]

he has a very different style of musicality in this performance than other people who have played this. the difference is fascinating and beautiful

[@georgehennessy1256]

Mahdi listen to the gunfire, should hear the recording he Mae in the 50’s also the andante and Spanato and Grand Polonaise,

[@piercefitzgerald4123]

The difference was in the start, he play piano first and forte in the second and keep going and play fortissismo haha and that's makes us shiver

[@rtubeyou2010]

"Without music, life would be a mistake," said the typically hyperbolic Nietzsche --- and he definitely referred to music like this, as played by the maestro Horowitz, with the passion and the sheer bravura this incredibly demanding piece demands. Thanks for uploading this!

[@zacharygarcia9869]

This is the best version I have heard by far. Wish I could've seen Horowitz play :(. Anyhow, have a good day :).

[@normhall1622]

I'm sure happy that once there was Vladimir Horowitz. Heroic playing.

[@JFish-df2ep]

This is 100%.

[@HamiltonProvonsha]

Having just listened to another recording of the exact same piece, I needed an ear-cleansing, and who better than Horowitz to accomplish such a thing? ☺

[@Sophie-un3lt]

At first, I thought it is slower than it should be. And then I shut my eyes and listened to his play. I don't know what this song is about, but I could picture a man walking towards me, a man who was once younger and brave before, a man who is now older but no less brave and still dignified. That man may stumble every once in a while, but his parade is still powerful. The man has more details and considerations of his way of move. I enjoyed it so much. Thank you for uploading this.

[@김종식-t8n]

he is the man ive ever seen the best eldest pianist

[@margieguilfordwoman]

Mr. Horowitz! Just have to add my two cents worth!.....You never cease to amaze....You are awesome...God given talent....Thank you!

[@csanadvarnagy7913]

I can only say beautiful, beautiful! One of the best performations. 😊

[@jahajachrist2448]

I love his playfullness with the piano, the style, his age. It all plays so well together. I fucking love this man. The mistakes honestly dont ruin the performance at all for me. rip

[@betoandradebts]

Magnífico ❤

[@JiaeBlackKeysPinkTutu]

This is the best playing I’ve ever seen Chopin Polonaise Heroic! I’ve seen this vids maybe more than 100 times. Love! Love so much Horowitz playing!

[@idisseddemonslayermugentra2962]

Why does his version sounds so good? he really does give the music color and depth.

[@Nincompoop709]

This is the best version ever.

[@ruilovesschreiner6847]

I particularly like 4:10 where the master showed off his control of strength. His left hand is so powerful. Like a thunder. But he only flashes it when necessary. Brilliant performance.

[@maikolmaru1902]

At some point it seemed that he was going to destroy the piano with the Power he played

[@fannyloewen3691]

Never arms the piano , we never feel it’s too strong , even it is,flying and flowing and taking us.

[@bluemoon1341]

One of the best performances of this polonaise ever, if not the best ❤ just amazing..

[@ricardoremar1922]

It is amazing how this version has such a different energy when you compare it to Lang lang's version. The piano is such a beautiful and complete instrument. Thanks for uploading this

[@Swaaaat1]

Ricardo Remar This is, in my opinion, one of the best interpretation ever, If it weren't by some mistakes he does, this would be the best in my opinion. However, because he was 82 years old when he played this, it doesn't matter at all. EDIT: 83 years old, not 82

[@kaikei1013]

@@EFDNora well wouldn't it be grand if EVERY pianist played every piece in the exact SAME way? 🙄

[@felicitylin5661]

Lan Lan totally cannot compare to him, they are in different universes, which Lan Lan’s is in a hollow, empty and soulless marketing bubble world, I don’t like that level of music

[@FockeWulfFW200]

@@felicitylin5661 yeah, people praises Lang Lang too much but he is like the Miley Cyrus of classical music. I mean, he could play perfectly and all but still, he is soulless. We definitely can't compare him with Horowitz, Rubinstein or Zimerman, to name a few, they are on another completely different level above Lang Lang.

[@wobblyorbee279]

yeah

[@xvenomx9790]

this is just legendary.

[@stephenberman6679]

I have liked and admired this piece through the years, but I never loved it before. I love this performance. I sort of understand it now. Previously I heard a lot of intricate things going on that obviously required a lot of skill to play well, but it did not seem to fit totally together as well as many other of Chopin's works. With Horowitz' performance, at every point I am poised to hear, in fact to experience, what comes next, and when it comes I am excited about it. Yes, there are some mistakes that even such a lowly person as I can hear. But this is a great performance. The best I have heard of this piece.

[@albatroce2324]

To know that I can come back to this marvellous performance whenever I feel like it gives me pure joy

[@slimdugger99]

If you want playing perfection listen to a robot play this music. The greatest artists not only play the notes written by the composer but interpret and then transmit the emotional content of the piece to the audience. Horowitz was a master technician and interpreter of the classical repertoire.

[@jeansimon326]

AMAING! the universe resounds with beauty and complexity. Thank you for making this performance available.

[@YangPaulYang_YaoNien]

every movement are smooth as water flowing and every little flaws become essential dots creating this perfect presentation ever. Bravo !

[@amg2u]

Papi played Chopin every day until he was 92 and didn't wake up. Yes, at least as many mistakes, but with what pleasure and joy in the rest of the notes! Horowitz is testament that some wines age beautifully

[@LuisLopez-xx2db]

Enough time ago that I haven't heared this masterpiece of Chopin , really is sublime.

[@michaelkeithledesma]

What a brilliant performance!

[@leifsinclair9368]

Absolutely perfect. Pieces like this really give great pianists, like Horowitz, opportunities to distinguish themselves from others.

[@sofarsogouldgg7294]

it's amazing how pianissimo he can play while we are able to hear everything ...and then he sounds like a whole orchestra in the next second

[@goforgold7082]

How fleeting life is. That a talent such as this is no more

[@LiveUPMedia]

love the dynamics wow this just made me smile

[@cellio9]

This is incredible... I can feel the elation from every phrase

[@aidanwahlmann7819]

3:14 That is such an incredible sound change!

[@anthonyhollis476]

The master playing with color,depth and passion. 💪⚘

[@sunmoonstarmaru]

이 나이에 이런 연주라니. 경외감같은게 생기네요. 나같은 사람은 최고의 피아니스트의 영상을 이렇게 볼수 있는 게 정말 큰 복인듯합니다.

[@PianoDawg1620]

I have no words.

[@SophieDennis-hs2tc]

I saw some comments comparing the playing to that of lang lang. In my opinion there is no comparison in the two! Horowitz does this piece so much justice, just listening to the piece makes my heart swell with emotion. Whereas lang lang plays all notes correctly for sure; for me he’s version lacks what most great pianists either have or haven’t got, and that is musicality. The ability to feel the piece not just play it.

[@AishaJin]

This is really touching!

[@sham832OO7]

J'adore ce grand pianiste,si doué et pourtant si humble!!

[@dankg55]

Doué oui, même bien plus que ca. Humble, sûrement pas.

[@joybacarrisasgacuma6816]

still amazing at age 83..hwas always my faveorite concert artist...thanks for the music mr. V

[@matthiasdjveitmanndajenth5365]

The vigor in which he carries out the low end of the piano is astonishing.

[@vittoriociani7787]

Non ci sono parole per descrivere la bellezza di questa musica. Bravo

[@eccchannel7739]

I'm 26 but his fingers moves younger than mine... I really appreciate his passion ...

[@matheusellery465]

the best heroic polonaise interpretation

[@Matheus-xf9ts]

Fantástico, digno desses aplausos. Abraços do Brasil. 🇧🇷

[@은색-q3e]

I'm crying.. He is genuine

[@nadiadesimone8645]

4:28 6:00 FORTISSIMOOO!!! Such a wonderful interpretation.The piano is SINGING! How much colors 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@enleParis]

it was said he had to play this last or else they had to re-tune the piano because of so much forte.

[@nadiadesimone8645]

@@enleParis Thanks,I didn't know this particular!!!!!!❣️ In general I think that with Horowitz the piano tuner had to work a lot... Do you know the name of the piano tuner?

[@rithikradhan367]

Indeed heroic

[@bravaLiz]

I LOVE Horowitz. I do. I really, really do!

[@user-hp5rc4it4l]

Lot's of ppl talkin about mistakes What mistakes i didnt hear any, the song was perfect especially goin from the lower octve to the higher And even if he did his mistakes doesnt sound like mistake what makes him on of the greatest pianists روعة😍

[@pianistaluiz]

ouvi todos esses pianistas modernos e também Rubinstein, Paderewsky, mas nenhum tem a sonoridade belíssima de Horowitz, belíssima interpretação mesmo com aguns resbalos, ainda é o melhor mesmo mesmo nesta idade 83 anos. Por essa e outras que é considerado por muito como o maior pianista do século XX

[@josemariadasilveira6375]

Amazing and wanderfull pianist. Bravissimo

[@highpeaksphil]

How can anyone compare this to a Lang Lang performance. It’s like comparing a Rolls Royce with a Robin Reliant. The man was a genius on the piano. We have him to thank for Arthur Rubinstein being so brilliant. It wasn’t until Rubinstein heard the Young Horowitz did he realise he needed to practise the piano seriously.

[@franckadrian]

Merci Frédéric et Wladimir.........................!

[@anh1942]

Wonderful! Makes my heart sing!

[@badenzalsos9251]

He plays with a lot of passion. All from the heart

[@ericffonseca]

Não há erro. Apenas emoção e brilhantismo.

[@wallygevers8252]

Stunning!

[@萩原耕介]

That's what I thought, "Beethoven said Tempo is Music." Horowitz's Polonaise might be at best. I would love his rhythmical touch on key board articulation veryvery much, so lyric and magnificence. (91yrs.Japanese)sorry strange English.

[@JORGEPORCELDEPERALTA]

Rubinstein and Horowitz:the Best Chopin 4 ever!

[@adrianarencibia1863]

I remember this song of one of my favourite episode and one of my favourite tv show episode of Tom and Jerry oh my goodness the good old days still the music rings my ear I love it so much thank you, Hanna, Barbera to give me happy memories.

[@thehouse8818]

Brilliant!!

[@jongkind2000]

Quando grandes virtuoses tendem a exagerar no brilho nesta polonaise, Horowitz enfatiza a interpretação e desdenha o resto, presenteia nossos ouvidos com uma versão originalíssima, cantabile, mais poética e mais humana,.

[@bozorgmaneshrobertsohrabi2248]

A loving touch of serrenade and the kisses from heaven last a lifetime of happiest sorrows.

[@ethanmiller1143]

A few minor mistakes but who cares about that when the interpretation is amazing, Best performance of this polonaise

[@mir7359]

This music is as muddy sublime as scarring: sublime because it divine, and scares because it makes you feel the genius’s deep mind, that unexplored and inarrivabile greatness

[@JFish-df2ep]

This is beautiful

[@wobblyorbee279]

6:31 the pedal and the dynamics was controlled so well