Robert Schumann - Piano Sonata No. 3; Humoreske; Fantasiestücke; Nachtstücke (Vladimir Horowitz)

Information

Composer: Robert Schumann

• Konzert ohne Orchester (Grand Sonata No. 3) in F minor, Op. 14
• Humoreske, Op. 20
• 3 Fantasiestücke, Op. 111
• 4 Nachtstücke, Op. 23: Nos. 3 & 4

Vladimir Horowitz, piano

Date: 1976; 1979; 1980 / 1980

Label: RCA

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Review

These are live recordings from the mid to late '70s. Horowitz' legendary technique may be less than pristine, but his mercurial temperament burns brighter than ever. He melds Schumann's unwieldy, difficult to sustain Concerto Without Orchestra (Sonata #3) into a coherent whole, with the famous third movement variations providing lyrical relief from its turbulent surroundings. Horowitz probes the inspired but diffuse Humoreske for all its expressive potential, and finds hidden drama in the shorter works. The brightly-voiced piano Horowitz favored at this time is harsh in the higher register, although his trademark booming basses hit you like a kick in the belly. Horowitz admirers need no urging to acquire this disc.

— Jed Distler

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Robert Schumann (8 June 1810 – 29 July 1856) was a German composer and influential music critic. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of the Romantic era, and left an array of acclaimed music in virtually all the forms then known. Schumann's published compositions were written exclusively for the piano until 1840; he later composed works for piano and orchestra; many Lieder (songs for voice and piano); four symphonies; an opera; and other orchestral, choral, and chamber works. Schumann suffered from a lifelong mental disorder, and died in 1856 without having recovered from his illness.

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Vladimir Horowitz (October 1 [O.S. September 18] 1903 – November 5, 1989) was a Russian and American pianist. Considered one of the greatest pianists of all time, he was known for his virtuoso technique, timbre, and the public excitement engendered by his playing. Born in Kiev, Russian Empire, he studied at the Kiev Conservatory with Vladimir Puchalsky, Sergei Tarnowsky, and Felix Blumenfeld. He emigrated to Germany in 1925 and settled in the U.S. in 1939. Horowitz is best known for his performances of the Romantic piano repertoire, especially the Liszt Sonata and Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3.

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