Vladimir Horowitz, Hall of Fame Pianist
Vladimir Horowitz was born on October 1st, 1903 in the town of Berdichev, Ukraine. Like the rest of his siblings, he had his first piano lesson with his mother. Later, Horowitz was sent to Kiev Conservatory for formal music education when he was only 9 years old. At 20, he was already a deeply admired artist across Russia. In 1923, the renowned pianist Artur Schnabel was so impressed with Horowitz's recital that he arranged for the young pianist to move abroad. Leaving the communist Soviet Union in 1925, Horowitz headed straight towards the world's hall of fame.
From 1926 to 1932, Horowitz conquered the major cities of Europe, one after the other, with his romantic piano sound and unsurpassed virtuosity. He was regarded as one of the most prominent pianists and known as the highest paid concert artist in history. In 1986, he stunned the world by returning to U.S.S.R. and gave two concerts there, fulfilling his passion and love for his homeland. Horowitz was a die-hard Steinway player. In 1940, he had his very own Steinway concert grand piano, No. 314503. It became his exclusive instrument, accompanying him at home and also on his concert tours. He was very adamant about performing on his personal piano. "My faithful, inseparable friend," as Horowitz would call his piano. Franz Mohr, the chief concert technician of Steinway, has looked after No. 314.503 for 25 years, tuning the legendary piece according to Horowitz's requirement, bringing out the uniqueness of his art of playing. Since the maestro's death, No. 314.503 continues the journey on its own to more than 80 cities, exhibiting the legend of Horowitz as well as itself.
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