Chopin: Étude Op. 25 No. 12 [Horowitz 1928]

Between June and September 1928: Duo-Art Studios, New York City, New York
Selected Chopin Études: • Selected Chopin Études...
Horowitz plays Chopin: • Horowitz plays Chopin
The Études by Frédéric Chopin are three sets of études (solo studies) for the piano published during the 1830s. There are twenty-seven compositions overall, comprising two separate collections of twelve, numbered Op. 10 and Op. 25, and a set of three without opus number. Chopin's Études not only presented an entirely new set of technical challenges but were the first to become a regular part of the concert repertoire. His études combine musical substance and technical challenges to form a complete artistic form.
Chopin's second set of Études was published in 1837, and dedicated to Franz Liszt's mistress, Marie d'Agoult. No. 12 in c minor, also known as "Ocean" etude, is the last of Chopin's étude, op. 25, first published in 1837. In the first French edition, the time signature is 4/4, but most recent editions of this piece follow the manuscript and German editions, which indicate cut time. This work is a series of rising and falling arpeggios in various chord progressions from C minor. In addition, its opening bars recall the chord structure of the opening bars of the second prelude of the first book of The Well-Tempered Clavier by Johann Sebastian Bach. The initial theme is expounded upon and changes to many different keys. The climax resolves to C major. Horowitz's brilliant top notes and voicing, which are transmitted beyond the limits of the piano roll, are amazing.

[@scriabinismydog2439]

Amazing!

[@itamarbar9580]

This recording is not as electrifying as Sokolov's performance, but it is Way clearer. It helped me understand that if I were to orchestrate this, the melody would be held by the Bass Trombone, or 3rd Trombone.