Horowitz Plays Chopin , Vol. 1
Best things first. Vladimir Horowitz' 1945 recording of theAndante Spianato and Grande Polonaisescintillates with pinpoint fingerwork and galvanizing energy. The remainder of the disc is culled from 1979-82 concerts. This was a mannered period for the pianist. His individuality often lapses into caricature and contrivance. Yet Horowitz could still spin magic cantabiles, evoking the spirits of his beloved bel canto singers, as in the A Flat Waltz or the spacious C Sharp Minor Etude from Op. 25. The larger-scaled works, however, are better served elsewhere in his discography.--Dan Davis