Piano Concerto 5
The voltage is high, but the atmosphere is more relaxed in this live 1943  Tchaikovsky than these artists' overdriven studio version a few years earlier. More than a  few pianists injured themselves attempting to play octaves as Vladimir Horowitz does  here. The pianist's relationship with Beethoven was an on/off affair, but Horowitz'  uncluttered, directEmperoris one of the finest versions of this warhorse on disc.  The lyrical, rapt slow movement brings out the frustrated opera singer in Horowitz, while  Fritz Reiner supports his soloist with a sturdy, alert orchestral framework. A most  attractive release.--Jed Distler