Horowitz in Moscow

[volodya]

I may have posted parts of this in the past, but I just noticed some kind soul did work on this video in the past year or so to make it look gooder ;-)

Soooooo... what we have here is nothing less than the greatest artist of all time (yeah yeah i know its subjective) returning to Russia after sneaking out 60 years prior. lHorowitz is 83 here, and he looks like it. Buuuuttt....the playing is astonishingly good. lI was going to try to recommend certain pieces, but then I watched again. The entire thing is a stunningly beautiful musical adventure. @jeff7b9 i am just tagging u because i really enjoy yo gear thread and i have literally played this instrument. Enjoy!

 

[jeff7b9]

Thats beautiful.

83 years young and sounding great.

Les Paul also played at a very high level even at an advanced age.

Something to behold seeing a lifetime of musical skill on display. I do belive it has an impact on aging and "keeps you young" to some extent.


Reminds me of the piano player who used to accompany the choir and barbershop ensemble when I was at 5 Towns College.

The man looked 100 years old, never said a word, but also never missed a note never dropped a beat, could stop on a dime to follow the conductor, could on request play any sections parts (maybe it was on the score but I don't think it was I think he was doing it by ear)

This was 2003 or so, but one of the memories I have is one day the choir teacher decided that the key was wrong for one of the pieces so could the pianist just play it down a half step.

Not a jazz chart or a standard where you would be free to interpret the chords, but full on detailed sheet music with riffs and melodies, which this guy was basically sight reading in one key and playing it in another.

That impressed the shit out of me.
Especially how easy and effortless he made it look.

TLDR: this old man who looked like he wandered out of a nursing home, frail, meek, ... and he ripped up the piano in a variety of styles and could sight read and transpose fairly complicated music on the fly like it was nothing.

My theory is pretty good, my sight reading sucks, and I have the utmost respect for the skills of those who can do it.