Vladimir Horowitz
Early Life
Vladimir Horowitz was born on October 1, 1903, in Kiev, then part of the Russian Empire, now the capital of Ukraine. His father, Simeon Horowitz, was an electrical engineer, and his mother, Sophia Bodik, was a pianist who provided Vladimir with his first piano lessons. Pianos were a common fixture in the Horowitz household, with all four of his siblings also learning to play.
Musical Education
Horowitz entered the Kiev Conservatory at the age of 12, studying under Sergei Tarnowsky and later Felix Blumenfeld. He excelled in his studies, winning a conservatory competition at the age of 17 with his performance of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3. This early success marked the beginning of a lifelong relationship with Rachmaninoff's music.
Career
Horowitz's professional career began in 1922 with a recital in Kharkiv. His early performances were well-received, leading to a tour of Russia that included 23 concerts in Saint Petersburg. In 1925, he made his first appearance outside of Russia in Berlin. He then toured Europe, with successful performances in Paris and London. His American debut came in 1928, when he played Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 with the New York Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall.
Style and Technique
Horowitz was known for his virtuosic technique, his unique use of tone color and the excitement his performances engendered. His interpretations of the Romantic piano repertoire were highly regarded, particularly his performances of works by Liszt, Rachmaninoff, and Chopin. He was also known for his renditions of Scarlatti sonatas.
Personal Life
In 1933, Horowitz married Wanda Toscanini, the daughter of the famous conductor Arturo Toscanini. They had one daughter, Sonia. Horowitz struggled with mental health issues throughout his life, including depression and stage fright. Despite these challenges, he continued to perform until his death in 1989.
Legacy
Horowitz is considered one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century. His recordings continue to be popular and his influence on the world of classical music remains significant. He was awarded multiple Grammy Awards for his recordings, and in 1986, he was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan.