Vladimir Samoylovich Horowitz (1903)
A Russian-American virtuoso pianist, Horowitz made his debut in Russia at 17. Within years, he was touring internationally, with much success. He eventually settled in the US, where his extraordinary technical virtuosity made him one of the most popular pianists of his time. Always susceptible to nervous strain, in 1953 he decided to quit performing publicly. He returned to the stage in 1965 and occasionally thereafter until his death. Why did Horowitz’s father lie about his son’s birthday? More… Discuss
Horowwitz plays the Rachmaninov 3rd Piano Concerto in Avery Fisher Hall, New York, 1978 with Zubin Mehta ( His last recording ever of this concerto and maybe the last time he played it. Horowitz was 75 years old in this recording!!!)
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euzicasa 
I appreciate this post, like many or your gems that interest and grow my knowledge, and understanding, through errr vicarious experience. This one is a little different.
This pianist reminds me of my auntie, Esther LeBaron. I’m not sure of what all she did, but play Carnage Hall, play for a few presidents, and before the Queen of England, before she was 20, I think. All way back a long time ago to me. I heard her play once. She is in her 80s now, and doesn’t play publicly. She used to play at the church only. There was a lot of the holy spirit going around back then. Like a blogger said, it wasn’t religion, it was the music.
I can’t even explain what hearing her play half a song did to me. It changed me forever. I still want to cry just thinking about it. So, your post moved me. Thank you.
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I’m glad it had such an effect on you: always feel, deep and strong, those thing that you’re feeling the most about are your authentic self, your home your shelter from the weather. Thanks fro sharing your wonderful experience with us. IS there any music by your ant on you tube? or do you have any source for her music?
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Good question. It makes me happy that you are interested. She lives in a small Mormonish town in Mexico. I don’t think she has been around a recording studio, ever.
Since I visited three years ago, there was no going back since the drug wars escalated, and her community is fighting the Cartels. Mostly, I just haven’t been able to afford the trip, and the equipment. I don’t think the family realizes how special her music is. She mostly just played simple hymns, not the piano symphonies she could play by heart. It seemed like she had six fingers playing every note.
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I’m sure that one day you’ll be going back there!
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