Horowitz plays Rachmaninoff piano sonata No.2 in b-flat minor, op.36 (1968)

Vladimir Horowitz plays Rachmaninoff piano sonata No.2 in b-flat minor, op.36

0:00 Allegro agitato
8:42 Lento - piu mosso
14:51 Allegro molto

[genemiller]

Finally figured out what distinguishes Horowitz from every other pianist. There is no...space between Horowitz and the music. No objectivity, no coolness. He completely internalizes it, makes it subjective, and delivers music at a level of expression which is entirely his own. This also explains the hysterical ovations (rather than bravos and polite applause) he receives: he liberates his audiences, he gives them the extraordinary gift of musical story (his colossal technique doesn't hurt, either). For the duration of his performance the audience are musicians, too--participants receiving his amazing creation. (Music, after all, is in both the making and the hearing.)
I write all of this not to take anything away from other wonderful pianists, but to explain to myself why I believe Horowitz stands apart and above.

[pvonberg]

I heard him play this live at Carnegie Hall. When he broke a string. I still haven't gotten over it

[johnspradling]

That man was certainly in great shape in 1968.  I cannot imagine this music played better this side of heaven. I just got finished listening to the great John Ogdon, and one will always recognize Horowitz for clarity of attack, amazing horizontal line, and his rhythmic relentlessness, which ratchets the tension always higher. On top of that is the volcanic tone, produced as it were by ten pianists. I am dissolved in tears by the end of this performance.

[Okoteiru]

It is my favorite playing of HOROWITZ !!!

[Arechangel]

When I hear this recording, I never want to touch the piano again.

[chenyg]

Totally goosebumped everytime I listen to this. Just a perfect combination of both editions.

[carolynzolas]

I've heard several of his recordings of this in different years, including 1978, I believe. This is absolutely the best. Haven't heard the Carnegie Hall one, when he broke a string. Can't think that helped the performance, but it must have been exciting.

He is a master, bar none. Such sensitivity and drama- No one can play like him!!

[valerieheinderyckx]

Il y a lui et les autres... Merci infiniment ❤

[ootamanabu]

oh my left hands attack.... its like a bomb ....explosion sound....
very killing feel and strong and heavy.... I cant listning other players. RACH Nr.2
I like a only

[armstrong]

Horowitz was like a son to Rachmaninoff. In 1931 he gave Horowitz permission to combine both the original 1913 version and the revised 1931 version, after Horowitz complained that some really great passages were missing in the revised version. This incredible performance on Sony won TWO Gramophone Awards after it appeared in 1968..

[rosge]

Magnifique !
Quelle inspiration !
Du Grand Horowitz.

[hoangbv]

At 16:08 starts the melody that only Horowitz could express with such powerful forces...

[ondinehd]

Fantastic! Such brilliant sound, control, and incredible range of dynamics!

[高橋正博-su]

Listening to this Rachmaninoff piano sonata No.2,
I can comprehend that Horowitz was true genius of piano.
As to Rachmaninoff and Scriabin, no pianist can chase Horowitz.
I deeply feel that it's so nice to have encountered
this great pianist called Horowitz .
From Tokyo

[jonathangilmore]

Some have described Horowitz’s playing as only neurotic, but even neurotics have musical insights, and to play with this passion at 65 or thereabouts is heaven-sent IMO! He was, it appears, born to play the Russians, Liszt and Chopin Mazurkas. And, who can forget his Scarlatti and Clementi!

[Santosificationable]

He is like the Darth Vader of the piano - tremendous precision and withdrawn intensity despite gigantic virtuosity.

[henrydenner]

Horowitz just had an immense talent to play Rachmaninov. Deep respect.

[Fritz_Maisenbacher]

0:49 of course THE legendary moment. Suddenly you discover your own madness.

[Fritz_Maisenbacher]

Some unknown persons are true saints, especially those who recorded such treasuries .

[Kriskris]

13:12 - 14:42 Imagine writing such a heartwrenching passage, an idea that's beyond contrivable to all but the 0, 01 percentile of the most competent and skilful composers throughout history, then deciding "Nah, that's not good enough, I'm going to get rid of it and partially rewrite it". That's Seryozha for you...