Chopin: Introduction and Rondo, Op. 16 [Horowitz 1976]

February 29, 1976: Ambassador College, Pasadena, California (Live)
This work comes from Chopin's early Paris years, when he was struggling to earn recognition, even struggling to earn a living. By the time this piece was published in 1834, though, he was enjoying fame and a degree of fortune. Although this work is tagged as his Op. 16 Introduction and Rondo, it came four years later than his Op. 73 Rondo, and two years later than his Op. 21 Second Piano Concerto. Still, it is an early work, but one already guided by the hand of a master. [Robert Cummings]
The performance begins with a introduction of passion and fire, of changing tempos and wide-ranging dynamics. When the playful, chipper main theme is presented, the art of contrast is realized with a delightful jolt that effectively serves the composer's deft sense for color. All the material reappears in rondo fashion, with the main theme returning at the close, followed by a brilliant though somewhat subdued coda.
This live performance contrasts with his 1972 studio recording. His style has changed remarkably in just two years, and this rendition has surprisingly abrupt and wide dynamics. He can surprisingly enrich plain passages, or prank the most demanding.

[@carrotvevo]

I always loved horowitz playing this piece, it really let his imagination go crazy

[@morganmartinez8420]

He really does! I just love how his sparkling and brilliant technique works for this piece, especially for the triplet runs and grace notes

[@solracpilino1967]

Increíble que se pueda llegar a tocar así... 10 minutos de alegría...

[@ronl7131]

VH works his magic on a composition some might consider of a salon nature. But the Artistry and nuance of VH fully reveal the genius of Chopin, even in a composition like this. One of my favorite VH performances. Dramatic and playful….fun twists and turns.

[@sungjinlee2835]

I forgot to breathe while listening to this

[@MaScalo4508]

Typical Horowitz quirky programme. Thanks for sharing!

[@mckernan603]

This is how to play it!

[@meredith218461]

Scintillating pianism as only Horowitz could produce in his live performance of this rarely heard showpiece. Elements of the composers F minor Concerto can be easily heard in some of the passage work.

[@classicfan4683]

Bei aller Achtung vor dem pianistischen Können - -hier wird des Guten zu viel getan...

[@noshirm6285]

Ich bin mit ihnen einverstanden. Dies ist auf jeden fall nicht lines von Chopins besten werken, und in den 1970er jahren konnte Horowitz’ spiel manchmal als lächerlich, sogar hurenhaft rüberkommen. Das spiel klingt … übertrieben.