Vladimir Horowitz: The Last Romantic

"You are not likely to get closer to Vladimir Horowitz's fingers than in Vladimir Horowitz The Last Romantic," The New York Times critic wrote as he began his review of this extraordinary program.The film, which was premiered in two sold-out showings at Carnegie Hall in November 1985, is an intimate portrait of Horowitz -- one of the most compelling and elusive personalities of the 20th century -- in private performance and conversation.

The 90-minute program, conceived by Peter Gelb, the film's executive producer, and made by noted American filmmakers Albert and David Maysles, includes an actual recital played by the then 81-year-old pianist in his New York Studio.The Maysles filmed the musical segments and many revealing scenes between Horowitz and his wife, Wanda Toscanini, in their direct cinema style during a 14-day period.

The concert portion of the program, which features performances of works by Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, and Scriabin, is unique because of the access granted by the Horowitzes during the filming: the Maysles were literally inches from the piano, capturing the pianist in action with remarkable intimacy.

The film was rated among the most popular of films shown at the Rotterdam, Sydney, and Berlin Film festivals, where additional screening were held due to overwhelming demand.

Chorale in g minor
Sonata in C, K.330
Impromptu in A flat, Op.90, No.4
Mazurka in a minor, Op.17, No.4
Scherzo No.1 in b minor
Consolation in D flat, No.3
Prelude in g sharpe minor, Op.32, No.12
Novelette, Op.21 in F major
Etude in c sharp minor, Op.2, No.1
Polonaise in A flat, Op.53
Etude in F major