Although portions of Vladimir Horowitz’s November 4, 1979 Massey Hall recital in Toronto previously appeared on Music & Arts, Palexa brings out the entire program for the first time on CD, save for one work, Mendelssohn’s Scherzo a Capriccio. I suspect that the recording stems from a stealth audience cassette of decent enough quality to appease specialist collectors, but the truth is that the performances do not significantly differ from their highly edited and far better-sounding live RCA counterparts. I will grant, however, that the Rachmaninov sonata’s outer movements prove more animated and less italicized than the “official” May, 1980 RCA versions, while the Polka de W.R.’s final measures are less “camped up” here.
The Chopin selections have subjectively ripened and expanded in comparison with Horowitz’s earlier commercial Columbia Masterworks versions, notably in the Nocturne’s more pronounced melody/accompaniment separation. Within the restricted sonic parameters you immediately infer Horowitz’s genius for tonal and dynamic projection, and appreciate how even his softest playing could reach the most distant seats of any given venue. Avid Horowitz collectors will want to know about this release.
