Wait, let's start from the top of the program: The notes of the delightful and charming Scarlatti E-major Sonata are clear and precise. Horowitz spans the architecture of this "gross kleinkunst" -- i.e., great art done in the smaller forms.
The Mozart Sonata is unaffected and soulful. (The 2nd mvt. is especially beautiful, as performed here by Horowitz.)
Horowitz's renditions of the Rachmaninoff preludes and the Scriabin etudes are proudly played with much enthusiasm, which is evident in the performance.
With the Schubert/Liszt composition, one has a hard time deciding whether Horowitz does better in the songful interludes or the fiery sections: both are superbly done with un-earthly beauty.
Horowitz plays the pair of Chopin mazurkas with style and elegance. Too bad the "Heroic" polonaise, which was on the program, didn't make it onto this disc.
The encores are typically "Horowitzean," in that he mixes exquisite poetry (Traumerei) with stunning virtuousity (Enticilles and the Polka of V.Rachmaninoff). Interestingly, though, these two compositions are not heavy and over-serious.
"Horowitz in Moscow" is definitely an historical document, with much great musical content as well.
The little Scarlatti sonata is so simple and yet so engaging. It makes us amateurs want to run to get the score and learn it. The Scriabin etude is soooo sad and compelling and deeply felt. The Mozart Sonata is just the best. I'm so fond of the brightness of its third movement. Some think Mozart is boring and he can be but not here!
I campaign against the stuffiness of some "classical" music radio stations. Those who feel superior because of their tastes are no friend to the art of music. This CD will appeal to anyone who listens. It's just great music played by a great man.
