Vladimir Horowitz

I'd like to get a few CD recordings of his. Can anyone recommend anything in particular?

Since my interest in Horowitz is more nostalgic than a cultural awakening ( although I'm hoping for that), I guess I'm looking for a couple of suggestions of well recorded material on CD.

In 1979 I was 25 years old and held a part-time job as a chauffeur at a Toronto livery service. I must confess I had no appreciation or knowledge of classical music at the time, (still don't) so had absolutely no idea who Vladimir Horowitz was when I met him and his young assistant, both impeccably dressed, at their Toronto hotel. I was to drive them to Massey Hall, wait for them, then drive them back. I assumed they were attending a concert. Despite his antique tuxedo and matching cape, (who wears a cape?) it wasn't until I dropped them off at Massey Hall that I realized he was the performer.

He invited me to join them inside, but I chose to stay with the limo so I could smoke and listen to rock & roll on the radio while Mr. Horowitz performed solo to a full house. I do remember hearing the applause, especially the encore applause....quite loudly...even from in the car. I could tell by the smiles and animated discussion of the exiting audience that these people loved Vladimir Horowitz, whoever he was.

He and his assistant came out soon after the crowd dispersed, and I drove them back to the hotel. From what I recall, little or nothing was said by anyone. Almost like nothing had happened. You'd have no idea the man had just received a massive standing ovation at Massey Hall. I remember thinking to myself, "how cool and calm this guy is". As they were leaving the car, he appologized to me for not having any cash with him and therefore not being able to give me a tip. He seemed genuinely embarrassed about it. I explained that a tip was not necessary, and in fact, was already included as part of the limo fees. He wasn't satisfied with that however, and said he'd mail a tip to me. Since he didn't ask for my address, I didn't think for a moment he actually would.

About two weeks later, the owner of the livery service hands me an envelope with a short note from Mr. Horowitz and the largest cash tip I ever received during my short limo driving career. I don't remember the exact amount of the tip, and although the amount was a definate highlight, I was much more overwhelmed that this man had actually kept his word. Despite having just performed, at his advanced age, to a full house at Massey Hall, he was genuinely concerned about me, the limo driver. He was a true gentleman.

I've never forgotten his act of kindness, nor the lessons in humility and being true to your word he taught me. I've been reading about him on the internet for the past day and have discovered he was even more popular than I had imagined. The fact he played the White House 2 or 3 times, as well as Toronto's Massey Hall as far back as 1930 ( 49 years before I drove him there in '79) makes his act of kindness towards me even more powerful. I'm really looking to purchase some of his music to remember him by.

Unfortunately I don't. Horowitz's tip went straight in my pocket and the note and envelope straight into the garbage. Like I said, I had no idea who he was at the time. I drove quite a few celebrities and even some royalty but prided myself on being cool, and refrained from treating them like celebrities. On only 2 occassions did I ask for an autograph.... Andy Warhol and Aretha Franklin. The prince and princess of Sweden gave me a gold lapel pin with their royal emblem on it, but I never asked for that.

I've managed to go Horowitz crazy on E-Bay and have "won" two DVDs...."The Last Romantic" and "Horowitz in Moscow".

I also found a guy selling 9 CDs of Horowitz as well.
NOS, made in 1990, and still factory shrinkwrapped in the old foot tall cardboard display cartons.......for only $5.00 each !!!

- Beethoven sonatas-Moonlight,Waldstein and Appassionata

- Chopin Vol.2

- Tchaikowsky concerto #1 (1943 live at Carnegie Hall with Toscanini) and Beethoven Emperor with Fritz Reiner

- Tchaikowsky #1 with Bruno Walter (Apr.11,1948) and brahms #1 also with Fritz Reiner (Feb.20,1036)

- Horowitz Encores

- Horowitz, Brahms,

- Horowitz, Mozart

- Horowitz, Tchaikowsky

- Horowitz, Prokofiev

I was planning on buying only 2 or 3 titles from the suggestions you all have supplied, but 9 NOS discs for $45 was too hard to resist.

I'm also printing out this thread and will keep my eye out for the specific recordings you Horowitz fans have recommended.

Thanks for the info and suggestions!

I know, I know. It's beyond pathetic.