Apart from the rhythmic liberties in the final section (and he even makes that work) this is simply the best performance of this piece you'll ever hear. Can't believe that people are talking about a lack of 'light' and 'grace'. For the critics - have a look at the Watteau 'L'Embarquement pour Cythere' painting - what do you think is going on here? If you need this music explained...you're not going to get it. This is sensuality unbridled from someone who it would seem knew what that meant
As much as i adore many of Horowitz's interpretations, particularly of Rachmaninoff, i find his extraordinary rhythmic and clean sound does not particularly suite this piece. After all, Debussy himself intended a great deal of his works to be atmospheric rather than melodic or rhythmic.
@deplanetiser That may be true for a lot of Debussy's pieces, but this is the Island of Joy! I don't think it needs to be too atmospheric, just cheerful.
@deplanetiser That may be true for a lot of Debussy's pieces, but this is the Island of Joy! I don't think it needs to be too atmospheric, just cheerful.
@deplanetiser I think this piece is an exception. I would not play the ending rhythms stretched out with rubato and such like Horowitz did, but whenever a composer asks for FF every four measures, and then FF every two measures with loads of commands asking for bigger and bigger and more and more sound and power, that speaks volumes to me (no pun intended!)
@deplanetiser Despite some interesting disagreements I still find that rhythmic drive of Horowitz is a little overwhelming for this piece. There are sections that very much benefit from this, however it is the passing phrases and softer parts of the piece that I am referring to.
@deplanetiser It is important to remember, that (as much as he is a unique and stunning pianist) Horowitz's background (so to speak) is in Russian-Romantic and post Romantic compositions. Debussy's music is something quite different- rejecting traditional form and aesthetic, Debussy carved a niche for himself with his blurry, dreamlike textures - not that Horowitz isn't capable of attempting Debussy (of course), i just feel he is better in his home ground- that being Russian-Romantic etc....
Yekhaty, I've been thinking for a while. Debussy himself did comment on how it seems "to assemble all the ways to attack a piano since it unites force and grace" and if you look at the score, it is marked fortissimo every four measures, and then fortissimo every two measures, with constant crescendos everywhere. I think that kind of shattering sonority is very appropriate! Plus, I don't feel it comes from nowhere... He makes the whole pieces gradually build to it, I think.
I like this interpretation, especially at the end where the climax of second theme comes in, listen to his left hand the beats, they feel almost a young girl in-loved with her heart pounding, and it slowly gets more and more joyful but nervous. And of course, ends in love, the heart freed by joy!!!
My favorite version of this piece; his speed during the passionate passages is carefully timed and dramatically delivered. I love the closing! So breath-taking.
This performance never fails to make me smile, both on the inside and outside. Horowitz was the only one capable of bringing the Island of Joy out of mythology and into real life for six captivating, shimmering, and electrifying minutes.
In the final portion Horowitz actually changed the rhythm from 3 beats per measure to 4 beats. I'm not sure it was rubato; he just changed the note values. He corrected himself after a while, the triple meter being comfortably evident towards the end. Horowitz could be maddening with the way he sometimes strayed from the text, but his genius almost always delighted. This was one of the few moments he disappointed me, but only for those few measures; the rest of the piece was sublime.
@demosj are you sure it's not the debussy prelude "La terrasse des audiences du clair de lune", or the moonlight sonata (occasionally referred to by its french translation, "clair de lune")?
Bravo and Amen! It's like the modern day opera singers taking portamento away from their singing; no wonder their voices seem small compared to the great singers of the past!
@jedwentz I usually think the Horowitz interpretation is the best interpretation, however in this case I agree, this doesn't flow as much as it should
Well, even though Debussy didn't ask for the rubato, it seems to fit. It adds to the power and the grandness of the climax, and I think it's the power and grandness that put everyone in the audience (and many people listening to this recording right now!) on the edge of their seats, despite the rubato.
Plus, the rest of the piece before it was absolutely impeccable. All in all, in my humble opinion, this recording is the most realistic "journey on an island."
YAY! I can now skip around anywhere I want to in the video! I still cry listening to this! This is THE best interpretation of this piece, and one of the top 10 greatest moments of all music!
First time I ever have the opportunity of hearing Horowitz playing Debussy. Interesting. Very interesting interpretation. Incredibly clean. Crystalline clean.
I grow so tired hearing comments from people who listen piecemially....I liked this section, I didn't like this section, too fast here, too fast there. Perhaps we're all a bit too routinized to listen with an open mind, like a clean slate, and enjoy this fabulous interpretation for what it is. There is color here that is unique to Horowitz, and typifies an energetic and fascinating mind, with the physical abilities to project that thought. His Islamey is a similar treasure.
A very beautiful interpretation, although a bit slow. And the final portion of the piece seemed so rubato as to diminish the driving intensity of the rise to the climax. Middle portion was lovely, though.
how come it's so hard to find horowitz playing debussy? i'd love to hear him play Masques, did he ever do that? tired of hearing sucky pianists play it badly
This piece is about the people embarking on a journey to a fantastic island, not about the water. How marvelous to be able to hear every note Debussy wrote instead of a blur caused by too much pedal! Oh, well, "apples and oranges."
I think you mistakenly sent your comment to me; I said nothing about water in my comment. I hear plenty of water in Horowitz' interpretation,a s well as joy, ecstasy, fantasy, impish humor, romance, imagination, fantastic rhythmic pointing, and a marvelous dance-like feeling that builds to an unbelievably transcendental climax. This performance is one of the greatest musical and pianistic experiences I know!
probably the piano, or recording ambience, most modern recordings use acoustics to soften the sound... depends on how they mic it. Horowitz has perfect control and it's all in his hands/fingers not the pedal.
Sparing use of pedal, a rainbow sound palette, rhythmic pointing, dance-like ecstatic feeling, and simply the greatest performance of this I ever hope to hear. When Horowitz was good, he was incomparable.
LISTEN to the great variety of tone and touch he brings to this -- the FANTASY -- the wonderful clarity in every detail always subservient to the whole -- the intelligent, artful phrasing -- the rising sense of excitement and eagerness -- the great RESTRAINT he uses until all the pent up energy is finally released at the climactic statement of the second theme where oceans of glorious sound pour out with reckless abandon.
No one else plays with the COLOR and COMPELLING INTENSITY of Horowitz.
You have put it into words for me - thanks. Music interpreted by a master is always that way - you can hear it in great classical vocalists also - technical excellence by itself is not enough. The intelligence and muscicality must be there - and that's a personal thing. His interpretations always seem to be so complete, with marvellous structure and a sense of humor.
Thank you! I was fortunate enough to be present in Carnegie Hall when this event occurred so many years ago, and I STILL feel chills and a quickening heartbeat every time of think of it.
Congratulations! I'm a little bit jealous, of course, but thanks to Youtube we, all over the wold (I am dutch) can enjoy this miraculous sounds (you describe them better...) !
Are you serious? I would do almost anything to go back in time and hear this phenominal moment. And you are right in your earlier comment: NOBODY plays this piece with the color, compelling intensity, and the power (at the ending) as Horowitz... NOBODY can ever top this performance. NOBODY ever makes me feel on a happy island more than Horowitz does. Even if he stretches the rhythm at the end, it's still much more convincing than anybody else, ever.
It's a good recording but it doesn't have the impressionist feel that Pollini puts in it. Good clarity, but then again Debussy isn't all about clarity.
This was the 1st recording of this piece I ever heard in high school and it is still, to my mind, the greatest performance ever! As far as I know there is only 1 recording of this piece by Horowitz and this is it.
i liked this but the climax last two pages kind of spoilt it for me...! why alter the rhythm so much...where was this climax the whole peice he was building up to? it didnt sound warm at all- and that part i dont think should be so spiky
But other than that, this is the PERFECT interpretation-I feel exactly like I'm on an island when listening to Horowitz play it. I don't get that feeling from any other recording.
And I like how he didn't pedal 4:45 and 4:51. It sounds like trumpets announcing the grand entry at 5:05.
This recording is from a 1966 concert at Carnegie Hall. I've always loved the way Horowitz plays this piece, with such a range of tonal shadings and coloration. Thanks for the upload!
YES! To my knowledge, the only recording Horowitz made of L'Isle Joyeuse was that as an encore from his 1966 Carnegie Hall concert. This is the same recording that's on the Horowitz "Encores" album!
On the recording from "Horowitz-Favorite Encores" he rushes in one section and splats a chord in the climax, but in this section, he doesn't! Also, at :30, in "Horowitz-Favorite Encores," he plays the left hand very short, but in this, he pedaled it much more!
Check out Christian Johansson's excellent site on Horowitz ("Recorded Horowitz"), for a complete discography. The ONLY listings for L'Isle Joyeuse are for 1966, which includes the aforementioned Carnegie Hall recital (November) as well as two other "unauthorized" and, ostensibly, unreleased recordings. Since I do NOT have the Horowitz Encores recording, I can't be 100% certain. Your observations about the perceived differences intrigues me...!
Well, if you go to Imeem(dot)com, type in "Horowitz L'isle Joyeuse." That is the recording from Horowitz-Favorite Encores. Also, I downloaded the Horowitz Favorite Encores version from I-tunes.
Listen to the parts I pointed out in that recording, then listen to this recording. There are differences!
one further thought, on 'coherent'; Horowitz sonority in the return of second theme and on, is incredible as always! but most of this piece has somewhat light and thin texture, maybe the important question is, from where does this giant final sonority come? maybe you aren't quite happy that the question was answered? me neither!
hehe, I admit, I was waiting, how long it would be, before not so glowing criticisms! actually, I agree, I don't remember any performance of L'isle joyeuse by the famous performers I dislike more than this... missing entirely the light and grace it seems to me, is necessary.
recording is from 1966, if my records are correct
as for Gieseking, it is closer, but I feel the truth is somewhere between! in my opinion, you are right to say 'coherent', it is not easy to achieve, in this piece
Horowitz still stands as one of the greatest pianists of all time, but I think he misses the boat here: these people are embarking on a journey that seems too fast, frivolous and fantastic; did they take speed or LSD? Listen to Walter Gieseking and see what is missing here. Just one man's opinion, no death threats please.
you will hate me now and rate me as if i would think that classical musik is bullshit in general:), but i feel very sure that gieseking's version is much better, clearer and more coherent.
I think this is not horowitz at his best. when was it recorded?
Then I have to try it out, because up till now Jeux d'eau's speed always scared me away. But if it's not harder than L'isle joyeuse maybe it sounds and looks worse than it is.
For me l'isle joyeuse is easier than jeux d'eau because it has more chords than jeux d'eau and I'm more comfortable playing chords than arpeggios, both compositions are a beautiful and challenging.
I'm just breathless. Horowitz is really the genius of the century. Another amazing interpretation, in a very different style, is Samson François's one, have a look !
if we mean learning, the early stage to make the music easy and comfortable, this is a personal question, we all have the different hands; Jeux d'eau is very comfortably under the hand... if we mean performing these pieces, I guess, in a certain way, it is very clear, how Jeux d'eau should be played, L'ile joyeuse is not too easy to mesh all parts of this work together
i can't say for sure, though many years ago i played jeux d'eau so-so well, while happy island actually looks harder to me. i had trouble with sustained trills, though, e.g. last mvmt of the waldstein, etc.
Yeah great recording! Some quite unusual things but that's Horowitz all over. The drive and climax is astounding. I think 1904 is referring to date of composition!!
I also first heard this on Nodame Cantabile. Haha, it's a great piece. Horowitz played it really well. Nodame did great too, whoever made the real recording was truly a great pianist.I'm learning this piece right now.
The ending left me speechless and teary-eyed. Very rare indeed.
I first heard this piece (from 4:45 to the end) in a Japanese Anime called Nodame Cantible. I was looking on you tube for a version of it, and when I found the name Horowitz there I gasped. He is possibly my favorite pianist of all time. His 1978 performance of Rach 3 is priceless.
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elPianoforte 4 months ago
A bit too clear for my liking.. I think Debussy should be more atmospheric and dreamy..
Josephontheball 5 months ago
INCRED.
leen14leen14 6 months ago
Just listen to the applause at the end.
WonJinnH 7 months ago 3
I'm learning this piece. Any interpretive suggestions from anyone?
Mooweedy 7 months ago
Apart from the rhythmic liberties in the final section (and he even makes that work) this is simply the best performance of this piece you'll ever hear. Can't believe that people are talking about a lack of 'light' and 'grace'. For the critics - have a look at the Watteau 'L'Embarquement pour Cythere' painting - what do you think is going on here? If you need this music explained...you're not going to get it. This is sensuality unbridled from someone who it would seem knew what that meant
shaunylad1 9 months ago
I love Horowitz! ♥
melodyktm 1 year ago
As much as i adore many of Horowitz's interpretations, particularly of Rachmaninoff, i find his extraordinary rhythmic and clean sound does not particularly suite this piece. After all, Debussy himself intended a great deal of his works to be atmospheric rather than melodic or rhythmic.
deplanetiser 1 year ago
@deplanetiser I agree, but I still prefer Horowitz ending section over others'. It is so powerful.
kylelandry 1 year ago
@deplanetiser That may be true for a lot of Debussy's pieces, but this is the Island of Joy! I don't think it needs to be too atmospheric, just cheerful.
Pianist46 1 year ago
@deplanetiser That may be true for a lot of Debussy's pieces, but this is the Island of Joy! I don't think it needs to be too atmospheric, just cheerful.
Pianist46 1 year ago
@deplanetiser I think this piece is an exception. I would not play the ending rhythms stretched out with rubato and such like Horowitz did, but whenever a composer asks for FF every four measures, and then FF every two measures with loads of commands asking for bigger and bigger and more and more sound and power, that speaks volumes to me (no pun intended!)
OrangeSodaKing 11 months ago
@deplanetiser Despite some interesting disagreements I still find that rhythmic drive of Horowitz is a little overwhelming for this piece. There are sections that very much benefit from this, however it is the passing phrases and softer parts of the piece that I am referring to.
deplanetiser 11 months ago
@deplanetiser It is important to remember, that (as much as he is a unique and stunning pianist) Horowitz's background (so to speak) is in Russian-Romantic and post Romantic compositions. Debussy's music is something quite different- rejecting traditional form and aesthetic, Debussy carved a niche for himself with his blurry, dreamlike textures - not that Horowitz isn't capable of attempting Debussy (of course), i just feel he is better in his home ground- that being Russian-Romantic etc....
deplanetiser 11 months ago
@deplanetiser never the less- still a stunning performance of a very challenging piece, and hats off to Horowitz anyway
deplanetiser 11 months ago
hm. that post ascribed to 'lifeat69' just below should have been ascribed to me. oh well. maybe lifeat69 can play this, and i won't have to.
slothvader 1 year ago
Yekhaty, I've been thinking for a while. Debussy himself did comment on how it seems "to assemble all the ways to attack a piano since it unites force and grace" and if you look at the score, it is marked fortissimo every four measures, and then fortissimo every two measures, with constant crescendos everywhere. I think that kind of shattering sonority is very appropriate! Plus, I don't feel it comes from nowhere... He makes the whole pieces gradually build to it, I think.
OrangeSodaKing 1 year ago
debussy is god
cannedkitty 1 year ago
this guy just kicks ass (sorry to swear!)
maxLeifermann 1 year ago
I like this interpretation, especially at the end where the climax of second theme comes in, listen to his left hand the beats, they feel almost a young girl in-loved with her heart pounding, and it slowly gets more and more joyful but nervous. And of course, ends in love, the heart freed by joy!!!
classicaladmirist 1 year ago 2
It really misses the grace of the other versions I have heard...
Howlingatmooon 1 year ago
My favorite version of this piece; his speed during the passionate passages is carefully timed and dramatically delivered. I love the closing! So breath-taking.
mattpianist 1 year ago 2
I enjoyed this interpretation.....it was a bit crisp but still very sensual..
debussyman88 1 year ago 2
This performance never fails to make me smile, both on the inside and outside. Horowitz was the only one capable of bringing the Island of Joy out of mythology and into real life for six captivating, shimmering, and electrifying minutes.
ThatRachGirl 1 year ago 2
the creature plays it like a russian... sacrilege... in the concert hall must have been something to hear though
MrLacidaremlamano 1 year ago
best interpretation of this piece bar none
aaron12345432 1 year ago 2
when it comes to 'orgy' music noone is a match for Horowitz....Cythera was his kingdom!
PhilPhilUSA 1 year ago
See also Nicola Braam playing Debussy's General Lavine on the original grand piano of Maestro Horowitz
ehb61 1 year ago
L'évidence... il donne raison à tout ce qu'il fait!
MarioLubenov 2 years ago
One of the most questionable record of Horowitz I have heard...
LiSaiFun 2 years ago
A very crisp interpretation, I believe Debussy should flow a little more that that.
naringrass 2 years ago
In the final portion Horowitz actually changed the rhythm from 3 beats per measure to 4 beats. I'm not sure it was rubato; he just changed the note values. He corrected himself after a while, the triple meter being comfortably evident towards the end. Horowitz could be maddening with the way he sometimes strayed from the text, but his genius almost always delighted. This was one of the few moments he disappointed me, but only for those few measures; the rest of the piece was sublime.
trustiful 2 years ago
There's supposedly a Claire de Lune recording from Horowitz - anyone have an inkling of where to find it?
demosj 2 years ago
If you find it, please do tell me. Clair de Lune + Horowitz would be just phenomenal.
ultracoolhomies 2 years ago
@demosj are you sure it's not the debussy prelude "La terrasse des audiences du clair de lune", or the moonlight sonata (occasionally referred to by its french translation, "clair de lune")?
fledgehog 9 months ago
Listen, all this anti-rubato stuff is STRAVINSKY and not Debussy..listen to the Rubenstein piano roll...
jedwentz 2 years ago
Bravo and Amen! It's like the modern day opera singers taking portamento away from their singing; no wonder their voices seem small compared to the great singers of the past!
billyguns2 2 years ago
@jedwentz I usually think the Horowitz interpretation is the best interpretation, however in this case I agree, this doesn't flow as much as it should
naringrass 2 years ago
And I'm not asking you to change your opinion. =)
OrangeSodaKing 2 years ago
Well, even though Debussy didn't ask for the rubato, it seems to fit. It adds to the power and the grandness of the climax, and I think it's the power and grandness that put everyone in the audience (and many people listening to this recording right now!) on the edge of their seats, despite the rubato.
Plus, the rest of the piece before it was absolutely impeccable. All in all, in my humble opinion, this recording is the most realistic "journey on an island."
OrangeSodaKing 2 years ago 3
I have not listened to Horowitz' Island of Joy for nearly 20 years. I have to say, I have never heard anybody who can play better than he.
SRonaldSetiawan 2 years ago 4
luv this piece
dchen038 2 years ago 2
YAY! I can now skip around anywhere I want to in the video! I still cry listening to this! This is THE best interpretation of this piece, and one of the top 10 greatest moments of all music!
OrangeSodaKing 2 years ago
First time I ever have the opportunity of hearing Horowitz playing Debussy. Interesting. Very interesting interpretation. Incredibly clean. Crystalline clean.
mrpossibilities 2 years ago 3
Love it! And that's all I''m gonna say
dajohnthomas69 2 years ago 2
I grow so tired hearing comments from people who listen piecemially....I liked this section, I didn't like this section, too fast here, too fast there. Perhaps we're all a bit too routinized to listen with an open mind, like a clean slate, and enjoy this fabulous interpretation for what it is. There is color here that is unique to Horowitz, and typifies an energetic and fascinating mind, with the physical abilities to project that thought. His Islamey is a similar treasure.
hothairybtm4u 2 years ago 4
My thoughts exactly.
redsteelchair 2 years ago
A very beautiful interpretation, although a bit slow. And the final portion of the piece seemed so rubato as to diminish the driving intensity of the rise to the climax. Middle portion was lovely, though.
jpizzledouglas 2 years ago
ASTOUNDING climax.
JoFrSc 2 years ago 3
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abucunezzer101 2 years ago
The texture in the opening minute is really diverse and wonderful. Horowitz is really superb. Thank you so much for posting this performance!!!!!!!!
abucunezzer101 2 years ago 8
how come it's so hard to find horowitz playing debussy? i'd love to hear him play Masques, did he ever do that? tired of hearing sucky pianists play it badly
esdac 2 years ago 3
Most usually I am fascinated by Horowitz but this performance doesn´t always evoke the watery scene and is a bit dry.
Anyway, Horowitz was a genius but he didn´t get this one on the nose.
mrmolinodelahoz 2 years ago
This piece is about the people embarking on a journey to a fantastic island, not about the water. How marvelous to be able to hear every note Debussy wrote instead of a blur caused by too much pedal! Oh, well, "apples and oranges."
billyguns2 2 years ago 5
Comment removed
mrmolinodelahoz 2 years ago
I think you mistakenly sent your comment to me; I said nothing about water in my comment. I hear plenty of water in Horowitz' interpretation,a s well as joy, ecstasy, fantasy, impish humor, romance, imagination, fantastic rhythmic pointing, and a marvelous dance-like feeling that builds to an unbelievably transcendental climax. This performance is one of the greatest musical and pianistic experiences I know!
billyguns2 2 years ago
Dear billyguns2,
Here is the original note which you wrote regarding no water in Debussy-s Lisle joyeuse.
Mayber the YT wires are crossed.
mrmolinodelahoz 2 years ago
probably the piano, or recording ambience, most modern recordings use acoustics to soften the sound... depends on how they mic it. Horowitz has perfect control and it's all in his hands/fingers not the pedal.
8aetroya8 2 years ago
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mrmolinodelahoz 2 years ago
awe inspiring performance! Only thing I don't like is how you can't start the video from the middle (I like the climax)
aaron12345432 2 years ago 3
This is a perfect interpretation of a beautiful piece. How did Horowitz do it? What's his magic? How many hours did he practice a day?
vizion24 2 years ago 5
I love ALL horowitz's interpretation!
Humbleboy89 2 years ago 4
Beautiful, generally I don't like so much Horowitz, but this time his performance is so good.
Ray0X0 2 years ago
Sparing use of pedal, a rainbow sound palette, rhythmic pointing, dance-like ecstatic feeling, and simply the greatest performance of this I ever hope to hear. When Horowitz was good, he was incomparable.
billyguns2 2 years ago 7
This is simply brilliant, orchestral, thundering and bell like. Both Debussy and Watteau would be delighted, one hopes.
Troybeallad 2 years ago 2
am i the only one who plays that final "a" with my left hand?? look at my video.
chrisflemming 2 years ago
LISTEN to the great variety of tone and touch he brings to this -- the FANTASY -- the wonderful clarity in every detail always subservient to the whole -- the intelligent, artful phrasing -- the rising sense of excitement and eagerness -- the great RESTRAINT he uses until all the pent up energy is finally released at the climactic statement of the second theme where oceans of glorious sound pour out with reckless abandon.
No one else plays with the COLOR and COMPELLING INTENSITY of Horowitz.
Pischnaholic 2 years ago 37
You have put it into words for me - thanks. Music interpreted by a master is always that way - you can hear it in great classical vocalists also - technical excellence by itself is not enough. The intelligence and muscicality must be there - and that's a personal thing. His interpretations always seem to be so complete, with marvellous structure and a sense of humor.
Manxypop 2 years ago 2
Amen!
vlotjah 2 years ago
Thank you! I was fortunate enough to be present in Carnegie Hall when this event occurred so many years ago, and I STILL feel chills and a quickening heartbeat every time of think of it.
Pischnaholic 2 years ago 4
Congratulations! I'm a little bit jealous, of course, but thanks to Youtube we, all over the wold (I am dutch) can enjoy this miraculous sounds (you describe them better...) !
vlotjah 2 years ago
Are you serious? I would do almost anything to go back in time and hear this phenominal moment. And you are right in your earlier comment: NOBODY plays this piece with the color, compelling intensity, and the power (at the ending) as Horowitz... NOBODY can ever top this performance. NOBODY ever makes me feel on a happy island more than Horowitz does. Even if he stretches the rhythm at the end, it's still much more convincing than anybody else, ever.
OrangeSodaKing 2 years ago 2
I agree the color and texture are just INCREDIBLE.....
SRonaldSetiawan 2 years ago 2
The Horowitz sound is so special.
cpanati 2 years ago 13
More Lisztian than Debussy,however amazing pianism as one might expect.
meredith21846 2 years ago
Even if Samson Francois or Arrau had the finest interpretations of this piece ever given, I would _still_ prefer Horowitz's performance.
They simply don't compete with his symphonic sound.
demosj 2 years ago 6
Shattering power at the climax
TomOwen77 2 years ago 9
It's not bad. Still there is one pianist imho who really played Debussy like you were hearing Debussy.
nebnubs 2 years ago
It's a good recording but it doesn't have the impressionist feel that Pollini puts in it. Good clarity, but then again Debussy isn't all about clarity.
Randomnessk 2 years ago
This was the 1st recording of this piece I ever heard in high school and it is still, to my mind, the greatest performance ever! As far as I know there is only 1 recording of this piece by Horowitz and this is it.
sll10 2 years ago
this is truly amazing... clarity and blurriness are mixed to the color of perfection, tinted with an impeccable, artistic fluctuation of tempo
psyence5150 2 years ago 4
steve vai has used some parts from this piece for his "ballerina" who agrees?
Gaudamn 3 years ago
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bradvg 3 years ago
omg....such an artistic n convincing performance!lots of colour,timbre...so vivid w a strong sense of coherence
1984bubu 3 years ago 4
i liked this but the climax last two pages kind of spoilt it for me...! why alter the rhythm so much...where was this climax the whole peice he was building up to? it didnt sound warm at all- and that part i dont think should be so spiky
Nika666666666 3 years ago 2
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OrangeSodaKing 3 years ago 2
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OrangeSodaKing 3 years ago
But other than that, this is the PERFECT interpretation-I feel exactly like I'm on an island when listening to Horowitz play it. I don't get that feeling from any other recording.
And I like how he didn't pedal 4:45 and 4:51. It sounds like trumpets announcing the grand entry at 5:05.
OrangeSodaKing 3 years ago
Magnifique...
Axel84000 3 years ago 4
This is trully amazing. How does he make a piano sound like an orchestra????????????? For a minute I didn't I was listening to a piano.
thatnicekid04 3 years ago 7
This recording is from a 1966 concert at Carnegie Hall. I've always loved the way Horowitz plays this piece, with such a range of tonal shadings and coloration. Thanks for the upload!
corgihound 3 years ago 8
is it the same recording from "Horowitz-Favorite Encores"?
OrangeSodaKing 3 years ago
YES! To my knowledge, the only recording Horowitz made of L'Isle Joyeuse was that as an encore from his 1966 Carnegie Hall concert. This is the same recording that's on the Horowitz "Encores" album!
corgihound 3 years ago
Wait, this can't be the same recording!
On the recording from "Horowitz-Favorite Encores" he rushes in one section and splats a chord in the climax, but in this section, he doesn't! Also, at :30, in "Horowitz-Favorite Encores," he plays the left hand very short, but in this, he pedaled it much more!
This must be a different recording!
OrangeSodaKing 3 years ago
Check out Christian Johansson's excellent site on Horowitz ("Recorded Horowitz"), for a complete discography. The ONLY listings for L'Isle Joyeuse are for 1966, which includes the aforementioned Carnegie Hall recital (November) as well as two other "unauthorized" and, ostensibly, unreleased recordings. Since I do NOT have the Horowitz Encores recording, I can't be 100% certain. Your observations about the perceived differences intrigues me...!
corgihound 3 years ago
Well, if you go to Imeem(dot)com, type in "Horowitz L'isle Joyeuse." That is the recording from Horowitz-Favorite Encores. Also, I downloaded the Horowitz Favorite Encores version from I-tunes.
Listen to the parts I pointed out in that recording, then listen to this recording. There are differences!
Yehkaty! Where did you get this recording?
OrangeSodaKing 3 years ago
Was this recorded in 1904 or was the piece composed in 1904? Thanks for uploading this rare treasure!! Beautiful work. Just simply devine.
Alexias030692 3 years ago 5
piece was composed in 1904.
OrangeSodaKing 3 years ago 2
This has been flagged as spam show
He plays like me on a bad day...;)
katkula 3 years ago
one further thought, on 'coherent'; Horowitz sonority in the return of second theme and on, is incredible as always! but most of this piece has somewhat light and thin texture, maybe the important question is, from where does this giant final sonority come? maybe you aren't quite happy that the question was answered? me neither!
yekhaty 3 years ago
hehe, I admit, I was waiting, how long it would be, before not so glowing criticisms! actually, I agree, I don't remember any performance of L'isle joyeuse by the famous performers I dislike more than this... missing entirely the light and grace it seems to me, is necessary.
recording is from 1966, if my records are correct
as for Gieseking, it is closer, but I feel the truth is somewhere between! in my opinion, you are right to say 'coherent', it is not easy to achieve, in this piece
yekhaty 3 years ago
Horowitz still stands as one of the greatest pianists of all time, but I think he misses the boat here: these people are embarking on a journey that seems too fast, frivolous and fantastic; did they take speed or LSD? Listen to Walter Gieseking and see what is missing here. Just one man's opinion, no death threats please.
billyguns2 3 years ago
you will hate me now and rate me as if i would think that classical musik is bullshit in general:), but i feel very sure that gieseking's version is much better, clearer and more coherent.
I think this is not horowitz at his best. when was it recorded?
dinulipatti1950 3 years ago
hmm, well either way, both jeux d'eau and l'isle joyeuse are tricky.
what year did horowitz play this in the video?
OrangeSodaKing 3 years ago
O rly?
Then I have to try it out, because up till now Jeux d'eau's speed always scared me away. But if it's not harder than L'isle joyeuse maybe it sounds and looks worse than it is.
conantwo 3 years ago
For me l'isle joyeuse is easier than jeux d'eau because it has more chords than jeux d'eau and I'm more comfortable playing chords than arpeggios, both compositions are a beautiful and challenging.
Scarbogn 3 years ago 7
I'm just breathless. Horowitz is really the genius of the century. Another amazing interpretation, in a very different style, is Samson François's one, have a look !
goldenmind154 3 years ago
hey is this piece easier or harder than jeux d'eau by ravel?
OrangeSodaKing 3 years ago
Imo Jeux d'eau is much harder.
conantwo 3 years ago 7
if we mean learning, the early stage to make the music easy and comfortable, this is a personal question, we all have the different hands; Jeux d'eau is very comfortably under the hand... if we mean performing these pieces, I guess, in a certain way, it is very clear, how Jeux d'eau should be played, L'ile joyeuse is not too easy to mesh all parts of this work together
yekhaty 3 years ago 4
@OrangeSodaKing
i can't say for sure, though many years ago i played jeux d'eau so-so well, while happy island actually looks harder to me. i had trouble with sustained trills, though, e.g. last mvmt of the waldstein, etc.
lilfeat69 1 year ago
Yeah great recording! Some quite unusual things but that's Horowitz all over. The drive and climax is astounding. I think 1904 is referring to date of composition!!
ivanreshe 3 years ago
GREAT PERFORMANCE!!!!!
Rickyr389 3 years ago
Definitely the best performance i've ever heard of L'isle joyeuse, thank's for the upload.
P.S. Was it really recorded in 1904? it sounds too good to be that old.
Scarbogn 3 years ago 2
My bad, now i realize l'isle joyeuse was composed in 1904, :P
Scarbogn 3 years ago
Fantastic!
Pianojanna 3 years ago
I also first heard this on Nodame Cantabile. Haha, it's a great piece. Horowitz played it really well. Nodame did great too, whoever made the real recording was truly a great pianist.I'm learning this piece right now.
Sinf0nia 3 years ago 5
The ending left me speechless and teary-eyed. Very rare indeed.
I first heard this piece (from 4:45 to the end) in a Japanese Anime called Nodame Cantible. I was looking on you tube for a version of it, and when I found the name Horowitz there I gasped. He is possibly my favorite pianist of all time. His 1978 performance of Rach 3 is priceless.
Thank you so much for the upload.
Chocolatvivi 3 years ago 7