Evenings with Horowitz: Personal Portrait

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Concert pianist Vladimir Horowitz (1904-1990), known for his inaccessibility to the public, lived with his imperious wife, Wanda (Arturo Toscanini's daughter), in the isolated splendor of their New York City townhouse. In 1979, Dubal ( Conversations with Menuhin ) was admitted to that inner sanctum to record a series of interviews with the pianist for the New York radio station WNCN, and the insecure and secretive Horowitz took a liking to him. From 1985 to 1988 they met weekly at Horowitz's home, occasionally with Juilliard piano students Dubal brought along. While the conversation, as Dubal reports it in this account, is sometimes stilted, it is always engrossing; for Horowitz--childish, narcissistic and unpredictable--could be both charming and abrasive. Dubal presents a candid portrait of Horowitz, whose vulgarity and lack of tact often startled his visitors, as well as a sensitive appraisal of his playing. Photos not seen by PW. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Dubal, broadcaster, concert pianist, and faculty member at Juilliard draws upon his knowledgeable background to produce a fascinating portrait of the brilliant and electrifying pianist Vladimir Horowitz. Dubal spent many evenings with Wanda and Vladimir Horowitz in their home and in restaurants. Discussions ensued on repertoire, stylistic interpretations, tastes of audiences, other famous pianists, favored composers, and even such nonmusical topics as care of animals, modern-day presidents, and American youth. Dubal provides a rare and intimate glimpse of Horowitz and illustrates the precariousness of accommodating the temperament of a genius. Complementary works are Dubal's The Art of the Piano ( LJ 9/1/89) and Glen Paskin's Horowitz: A Biography (Morrow, 1983). - Kathleen Sparkman, Baylor Univ., Waco, Tex. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.