Saint-Saëns/Liszt/Horowitz: Danse Macabre (1942)
7,791 回視聴 2021/10/31
September 10, 1942: Hollywood Recording Studio, California (Studio)
This probably is the recording that best defines early Horowitz in both aspects of his arrangement and performance.
All his changes to the original piece in a typical Liszt style: drastic repetitive deletions, enrichment of musical texture, the addition of more colorful and technical passages, and unique harmony of his own. They're all his own and also shown in his later arrangements, which are Wedding March Variations, Carmen Variations, etc. The only difference is that, unlike the others, it wasn't planned for public concerts, so he showed off more daring and complex composing skills.
In terms of performance and technique, this recording well represents young Horowitz's spirit. He plays all the passages he added on this piece, like double third scales and a fierce rush of sparkle notes, with no effort at all. The creepiest thing from a pianistic view is he actually speeds up and handles them in seconds like a flash when he plays these most technically demanding passages. The march of the bouncing-off octaves at the climax of the piece is truly astonishing.