March 20, 1950: Carnegie Hall, New York City, New York (Live)

0:00 Andante Spianato
4:24 what you're looking for

The famous Chopin Competition piece. The work is basically a polonaise but preceded by an introduction - Andante spianato in G major. The quiet rippling effects of this introductory section are borne in a gentle 6/8, rounded with a chordal trio, and a more processional 3/4. And then Grande polonaise brillante in E-flat major opens in fanfare moving into an ebullient dance form. Originally written for orchestra and piano, it was also arranged for piano solo, which Horowitz plays in the recording.

Horowitz's Chopin always had his own strong colors. A very straightforward and fragmented interpretation is different from the way Chopin is played today. But Horowitz in 1950 knew what he was doing. The distinct melodies and strong waltz rhythms, the scale heard clearly one by one, and the grace notes that never back down are just amazing.

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