horowitz in concert - dec. 1985, pt9, new york, carnegie

[leonengard]

God...

what a beauty...

[kasyapa]

it streamed out of him as soon as he touched the keys.

[ByrneBelew]

The fIrst mazurka here is a diamond, perfect for soothing the ole nerves :0)

[kasyapa]

it was a joy to hear that day.

[ByrneBelew]

Ha yes you were so fortunate! Do these recordings compare favorably with the 'real' sound on the day?

[kasyapa]

they compare very well. i was consciously trying to imprint his sound in my memory as i knew that a recording was being made from the seat next to me. the one thing a recording cannot communicate is the physical impact of some of his fortissimi - when he hit the last two chords at the end of the scriabin d# min etude i have up here from that same concert, i felt the impact in my stomach, physically. one thing about sound: i do need to denoise these - in fact, maybe i'll do that shortly. :)

[ByrneBelew]

It's great that you have such vivid memories of his sound! Having listened to his 1980 Rach Sonata 2 recording nice and loud through quality speakers I can well imagine the force. Good idea about the de-noising it'll be worth it for sure.

[kasyapa]

i'll have some new horowitz recordings to put up soon - and some new nyiregyhazi in my e.n. channel, too. :)

[ByrneBelew]

Good job, maybe I'll check that other chap out too, tho I bet he's no Volodya :0)

[kasyapa]

look up nyiregyhazi's live version of the liszt 2nd legende here on youtube - as i've often written, it's my nominee for the most viscerally thrilling piano recording ever.

[ByrneBelew]

OK but whatever happens heart belongs to VH lol ;0)

[Labienus]

I generally agree with you-and the N is certainly a compelling performance, even without the story and circumstances but you don't think you're engaging in some hyperbole here? At first I misread it and thought you meant the legende but of all recordings??

[kasyapa]

Labienus - i mean every word of it. note that i said viscerally thrilling.

[Labienus]

@kasyapa

OK-with N it's hard not to have the story as a consideration

By the way did you read "Lost Genius"? fascinating, strange, and makes artists like Horowitz et al even more impressive having to fight off their demons and still have a career

Sheer visceral-I guess I'd go with our man here!

[kasyapa]

Labienus - i did read it. actually helped k.b. with a bit of the research - he links to my e.n. website on marymaclane d0t c0m in the notes.

[Snufkin999]

What a truly touching and sincere performance...I am really greatful for you to share this with all of us. Thank you!

[kasyapa]

you are very welcome. i was there at that very concert, and i'm sure maestro would be glad you are enjoying it now. he plays on.