Watching Vladimir Horowitz play Chopin’s Polonaise in A flat major Op. 53 at the Vienna Musikverein, even at the age of 84, is nothing short of mesmerizing. His mastery over the piano, honed over decades of relentless practice and deep musical understanding, is evident in every note he strikes.

The way his fingers delicately and precisely touch the keys, extracting the most nuanced tonal qualities from the strings, is an art form in itself. As a retired professional photographer who had the privilege of documenting the unveiling of Horowitz’s portrait at Steinway Hall, I can attest to the awe-inspiring presence he exuded.

Watching Vladimir Horowitz play Chopin’s Polonaise in A flat major Op. 53 at the Vienna Musikverein, even at the age of 84, is nothing short of mesmerizing. His mastery over the piano, honed over decades of relentless practice and deep musical understanding, is evident in every note he strikes.

The way his fingers delicately and precisely touch the keys, extracting the most nuanced tonal qualities from the strings, is an art form in itself. As a retired professional photographer who had the privilege of documenting the unveiling of Horowitz’s portrait at Steinway Hall, I can attest to the awe-inspiring presence he exuded.

Watch the performance for yourself to appreciate the memorable moment!

To have been able to play a few chords on one of his pianos after the program was an unforgettable, almost surreal experience—one that made me feel the weight of the legacy he left in the world of classical music.

His performance set the gold standard for all pianists, and it’s easy to imagine that even Chopin himself would have marveled at the perfection of Horowitz’s touch. His impact on the world of classical music is immeasurable, and his playing continues to inspire generations of pianists and music lovers alike, securing his place among the greatest virtuosos in history.