Composer: Horowitz
Works: Wedding March & Variations from ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, Waltz in F minor, Danse excentrique (Moment exotique), Variations on a theme from Bizet’s Carmen, Hungarian Rhapsody No.19, Vallée d’Obermann, By the Water, Danse macabre, Etude-fantaisie in Eb Op.4 ‘Les Vagues’, The Stars and Stripes forever
Performers: Valery Kuleshov (piano)
Recording: Recorded 2000
Label: BIS
Valery Kuleshov’s disc, “Homage à Horowitz,” serves as both a tribute to the legendary pianist and a fascinating exploration of his lesser-known compositional output. While Vladimir Horowitz is rightly revered for his interpretations of the Romantic repertoire, his original works deserve a broader audience. Kuleshov’s meticulous reconstruction of Horowitz’s compositions, alongside transcriptions of familiar classical pieces, evokes a sense of nostalgia for the vibrant virtuosity of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This collection not only highlights Horowitz’s flair for the dramatic but also positions Kuleshov as a noteworthy interpreter in his own right.
Kuleshov’s performance shines particularly in the arrangement of Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No.19 and the Wedding March from Mendelssohn’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ Here, Kuleshov’s technical prowess is evident; he navigates the intricate passages with a precision that captures the essence of Horowitz’s flamboyant style while injecting his own interpretative nuances. The Hungarian Rhapsody, often a showcase for the pianist’s bravura, is rendered with a fiery intensity that conjures the spirited exuberance of the original, yet Kuleshov adds a layer of reflective depth, particularly in the quieter, more lyrical sections. This balance between exuberance and introspection is a hallmark of Horowitz’s artistry, and Kuleshov’s choices resonate with that lineage.
The recording quality is exceptional, a hallmark of BIS’s engineering standards. Each note is captured with clarity, allowing the listener to appreciate the subtleties in Kuleshov’s touch. The dynamic range is broad, from the delicate whispers in the Etude-fantaisie in Eb Op.4 ‘Les Vagues’ to the thunderous climaxes in Danse macabre. The latter, with its vivid portrayal of skeletal revelry, benefits greatly from Kuleshov’s ability to conjure a sense of narrative through his playing. This piece, which was originally a showcase for Horowitz’s theatricality, is imbued with a sense of playfulness and macabre charm that is both engaging and technically accomplished.
Comparisons with other recordings of Horowitz’s works are inevitable. While Horowitz himself remains the gold standard, Kuleshov’s interpretations are notable for their fresh perspective. For instance, his rendition of the Danse excentrique offers a delightful playfulness that feels both reverent and original. The piece, often overshadowed by more dramatic works, is treated here with a light-hearted elegance that evokes the spirit of its composer while avoiding mere imitation. Similarly, the inclusion of Sousa’s The Stars and Stripes forever provides a rousing conclusion to the program, showcasing Kuleshov’s ability to transition seamlessly between genres while maintaining high technical standards.
Kuleshov emerges not just as a performer of Horowitz’s works but as an artist who embodies the ethos of his mentor. His interpretations are marked by a blend of technical virtuosity and interpretative insight, allowing the music to breathe with vitality. This disc is not merely a collection of pieces; it is a celebration of a unique musical legacy, one that Kuleshov honors with both reverence and individuality. The result is an engaging and masterfully executed homage that merits repeated listening and stands as a significant contribution to the recorded legacy of Horowitz’s music.
