Wow, this forum sure has changed. In the old days, we only ever had to put up with pianistimo's religious rants and soliloquy's overzealous defense of serialism. Now there's a whole new breed of enlightened beings that are out here to shed light on the various conspiracies that have plagued the musical world across the centuries. I'm not against critical thinking, I'm quite fond of it and it disappoints me how hard it is to come across in this day and age. However, these people just take it to a whole new level, of ridiculousness that is. You're picking the wrong myths to debunk, guys. Put that intellect to good use instead of pursuing a rather mediocre endeavor such as online forum truth crusades. There's plenty of shady business going on in your every-day life that deserves to be condemned. Go watch some George Carlin stand-up shows, gentlemen. Pretty smart guy, very observational, not one bit afraid of creating awareness in his audience, and damn funny!
Now, back to the actual subject, Vladimir Horowitz DID play on a custom piano, judging by the evidence around. This however, should not be mistaken as being the one reason for his unique sound, nor should one claim anyone can play like that with enough practice. It is worth mentioning he only started playing on light-action pianos from 1965 onwards. Anyone who has spent some time exploring his artistic output can notice he had the same golden tone in every 30's,40's and 50's recording. He may have played on a custom piano, nevertheless, his prodigious palette of tone color, control of dynamics and insane octaves were not a direct result nor a byproduct it. The man had talent, raw, irrefutable talent, and not everyone has it. His hand posture was weird and impractical, not suitable for students, that is also a fact. Why did he play like that? Because he could and he wanted to, end of story.
Seems to me more like these claims about anyone being able to play like him under the right circumstances (practice, custom piano) stem from that self-righteous rejection of idol worship, rather than the pianist's actual capabilities. I'm not putting anyone on a pedestal here, I've grown to be a very objective listener. Idol worship is something I'd do as a teenager, but with maturity comes moderation. Even so, there's still a handful of interpreters that I keep in high regards, and Horowitz is one of them. j_menz also made a very valid point. You can't treat technique and interpretation as one. Playing fast and playing deep are two completely different things. Horowitz could do both, and that deserves recognition. This is also something not everyone can achieve, regardless of the instrument. Hell, the absence of mature, deep artists in this era makes one look back to the 20th century with yearning. Still, the marvelous thing about music is that everyone takes it in and relates to it in a DIFFERENT way. Therefore, differing opinions will forever exist. Discussing opinions can be as fun as unfruitful, because in the end, it all boils down to "I just (dis)like it." You can be the most knowledgeable, savvy motherf****r in the field, still doesn't give you the right to put yourself above others on a sole basis of opinion. Furthermore, do not go around preaching freedom of speech and condemning fallacies while being a supreme exponent of false attribution ("The general audience idolizes Horowitz, therefore he is nothing special"). You are more toxic to this community than the ignorance and mysticism you denounce.
Please refrain yourself from dissing an artist based on personal opinions, it only makes you look bad. You have every right to dislike him, he did make some bad recordings after all (in my opinion!), but do not justify it with weak arguments such as his stardom or his customized piano. The latter, if anything, contributed to his already outstanding ability to communicate to his audience. Moreover, don't slander and discredit artists based on their fame, makes you look like a god damned hipster rather than the free thinker you pretend to be. Grow the hell up.
Thal, how do you deal with these people?

Best,
Alex