Horowitz - Complete Deutsche Grammophon Recordings > Reviews > Horowitz - Complete DG Recordings in one small box

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Not applicable
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	Unparalleled playing, Unbelievably good bargain for 6 CDs !
Disadvantages:	Um, paper sleeves?  No, seriously, it's great

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

This box set comprises recordings from 1985-89, when Horowitz was 81 years old! In 1986 Horowitz returned to Russia after 60 years away to give his monumental Moscow recital of which the live recording is included in this set. I personally find this performance of Liszt's Sonetto 104 del Petrarca to be the finest ever recorded. Alongside this is Scarlatti, Mozart, Rachmaninov, Scriabin, Schumann, Chopin, Moszkowski, and Schubert.

Accompanying this recital is 5 other discs of outstandingly unique playing. As he got older, Horowitz's playing became a sort of caricature of itself in the nicest possible way. By this I mean, his dynamics became more extreme, he became more expressive than ever, and his sense of style was heightened to new levels. Horowitz's Mozart playing has been criticized for being too free and not in Mozart's style, but really what he did was fuse his own bombastic and honest personality with the elegance, fire, and beauty of Mozart's. The result is playing that is absolutely heartfelt and always interesting.

I certainly recommend this set to anyone with or without experience of classical music and piano playing. Horowitz's brand of fluent and genuine playing will appeal to all people of all ages and interests!