Horowitz Plays Chopin Vol. 2 – RCA Victor Gold Seal Remastered Collection (CD)

Product Information

• UPC: 0035626037628
• Label/Catalog: RCA Victor Gold Seal – GD 60376
• Series: Horowitz Collection
• Format: CD, Compilation, Reissue, Remastered, Mono
• Country: Europe
• Released: 1991
• Genre: Classical
• Style: Romantic
• Total Playing Time: 65:05

This distinguished reissue from RCA Victor Gold Seal presents pianist Vladimir Horowitz’s unforgettable interpretations of Frédéric Chopin’s masterpieces. Remastered at BMG/RCA Studios in New York, this acclaimed release showcases Horowitz’s legendary performances captured between 1947 and 1957.

Overview

English

"Horowitz Plays Chopin Vol. 2" is a masterful collection featuring Vladimir Horowitz’s interpretations of Chopin’s most celebrated works—ranging from the heart-wrenching Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 in B‑Flat Minor ("Funeral March") to luminous nocturnes, études, ballades, mazurkas, and scherzos. Recorded over a decade, these performances capture the emotional depth and technical brilliance of Chopin’s music, making this volume an essential acquisition for collectors and classical music enthusiasts alike.

French (Vue d'ensemble)

« Horowitz Plays Chopin Vol. 2 » est une collection magistrale qui présente les interprétations légendaires de Vladimir Horowitz sur les œuvres les plus célèbres de Chopin – allant de la poignante Sonate No. 2, Op. 35 en si bémol mineur (« Marche funèbre ») aux nocturnes lumineux, études, ballades, mazurkas et scherzos. Enregistrées sur une décennie, ces performances capturent à la fois la profondeur émotionnelle et l’éclat technique de la musique de Chopin, faisant de ce volume un incontournable pour les collectionneurs et les amateurs de musique classique.

Product Features

Key Details

• Timeless Interpretations:
  Vladimir Horowitz delivers unparalleled nuance and virtuosity throughout Chopin’s repertoire, highlighting his unique ability to combine technical prowess with deep emotional expression.

• Remastered Audio Excellence:
  Digitally remastered at BMG/RCA Studios in New York, this release preserves the historic recordings (made between 1947 and 1957) with pristine sound quality.

• Diverse Repertoire:
  This compilation includes:

  • Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 in B‑Flat Minor – featuring four movements: Grave; Doppio Movimento, Scherzo, Marche Funèbre, Presto
  • Nocturne, Op. 9, No. 2
  • Nocturne, Op. 55, No. 1
  • Impromptu No. 1, Op. 29
  • Étude, Op. 10, No. 3
  • Étude, Op. 10, No. 4
  • Ballade No. 1, Op. 23
  • Mazurka, Op. 30, No. 4
  • Scherzo No. 1, Op. 20

• Historical Significance:
  This volume not only pays homage to Chopin’s genius but also stands as a testament to Horowitz’s enduring legacy as one of the greatest pianists of the Romantic era.

Interesting Facts

English

• Legendary Performances:
  The recordings, made between 1947 and 1957, capture Horowitz at different stages of his illustrious career, each note reflecting his refined artistry and emotional intensity.

• Precision and Emotion:
  Renowned for his technical brilliance, Horowitz’s interpretations bring a rare combination of precision and heartfelt expression—especially evident in the profound "Funeral March" of Sonata No. 2.

• Expert Remastering:
  This reissue was meticulously remastered by industry experts (including remastering engineers Jon Samuels and Marian Conaty, supervised by Nathaniel S. Johnson) to ensure that every nuance of Horowitz’s performance is preserved.

• Historical Context:
  Chopin, recognized as one of the greatest composers for solo piano, revolutionized Romantic piano music with his innovative harmonies and expressive melodic lines. Horowitz’s performance elegantly bridges the composer’s 19th-century genius with 20th-century recording excellence.

French (Faits Intéressants)

• Interprétations Légendaires :
  Enregistrées entre 1947 et 1957, ces performances montrent Horowitz à différentes étapes de sa carrière illustre, chaque note reflétant son art raffiné et son intensité émotionnelle.

• Précision et Émotion :
  Réputé pour sa virtuosité technique, Horowitz offre des interprétations qui allient précision et expression sincère – particulièrement remarquable dans la profonde « Marche funèbre » de la Sonate No. 2.

• Remasterisation de Grande Qualité :
  Cette réédition a été soigneusement remastérisée par des experts de l’industrie (notamment Jon Samuels et Marian Conaty, sous la supervision de Nathaniel S. Johnson) afin de préserver chaque nuance de la performance d’Horowitz.

• Contexte Historique :
  Considéré comme l’un des plus grands compositeurs pour piano solo, Chopin a révolutionné la musique romantique pour piano avec ses harmonies innovantes et ses lignes mélodiques expressives. La performance d’Horowitz fait le lien entre le génie du XIXe siècle et l’excellence des enregistrements du XXe siècle.

Track Listing

Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 in B‑Flat Minor ("Funeral March")

1. Grave; Doppio Movimento – 7:51
2. Scherzo – 6:51
3. Marche Funèbre – 6:55
4. Presto – 1:24

Additional Works

1. Nocturne, Op. 9, No. 2 – 4:27
2. Nocturne, Op. 55, No. 1 – 5:31
3. Impromptu No. 1, Op. 29 – 3:42
4. Étude, Op. 10, No. 3 – 4:02
5. Étude, Op. 10, No. 4 – 2:00
6. Ballade No. 1, Op. 23 – 8:49
7. Mazurka, Op. 30, No. 4 – 3:43
8. Scherzo No. 1, Op. 20 – 8:27

Note: Each piece reflects the original character of Chopin’s composition—with the Sonata No. 2 famed for its dramatic "Funeral March" segment, recorded on May 13, 1950, among other historically significant dates.

Publishers & Credits

• Piano: Vladimir Horowitz
• Composer: Frédéric Chopin
• Reissue Producer: John Pfeiffer
• Remastering Engineers: Jon Samuels, Marian Conaty
• Remastering Supervisor: Nathaniel S. Johnson
• Remastered At: BMG/RCA Studios, New York City
• Copyright: © 1991, BMG Music • ℗ 1991, BMG Music
• Manufactured & Distributed By: BMG Music, Made in Germany

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Hashtags

English

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French

#HorowitzPlaysChopin #RCAVictorGoldSeal #CollectionHorowitz #InterprétationChopin #PianoRomantique #CDClassique #VladimirHorowitz #ClassiquesRemastérisés #EnregistrementsHistoriques