Is it true that Chopin op 10 no1 neither Horowitz or Rubinstein could play it?

[rovis77]

Is it true that Chopin op 10 no1 neither Horowitz or Rubinstein could play it?. Is this etude really that difficult?

[mjames]

SILLY ME

[rovis77]

As far as I know, they never recorded this etude. Horowitz said it was too difficult for him

[schwartzer]

I don't understand your question. There are several recordings of this piece by these pianists on youtube.

Would you mind linking them?

[philolog]

I haven't listened to the Youtube performances mentioned in the responses to your question but there's an interesting film clip (silent, unfortunately and in slow motion) of Horowitz playing what looks very much like that etude. I think you can find it on Youtube, if not, I'm pretty sure I saw it in the Art of the Piano DVD (well worth watching if you haven't seen it).

[stevensk]

This etude is quite difficult but i am sure they could play it

[pianist1976]

I haven't listened to the Youtube performances mentioned in the responses to your question but there's an interesting film clip (silent, unfortunately and in slow motion) of Horowitz playing what looks very much like that etude. I think you can find it on Youtube, if not, I'm pretty sure I saw it in the Art of the Piano DVD (well worth watching if you haven't seen it).

No, it's the Op 10 no. 8.

To the OP: the fact they didn't recorded it, doesn't mean they couldn't play it.

I know that Horowitz played at least the entire Op 10 at home (maybe I heard this from David Duval? I'm almost sure...) but he never felt like giving the huge effort needed to make a recording worth the standards himself demanded. He was just interested in playing in public and record another things. I also heard that the most problematic etude for him was the no. 2, and that could also be the main reason why he didn't attempt to record all the Op 10 etudes...

[blazekenny]

Time 21:10, make an opinion yourself.

[philolog]

Time 21:10, make an opinion yourself.

Yes, you're correct. I thought that there were two silent clips but I guess I was wrong. For what it's worth, I too have read that Horowitz thought of Op 10 no.2 as very difficult, supposedly calling it "impossible." Nonetheless I believe he might have recorded it but since my memory has already proven inaccurate...)

[philolog]

Oops, wrong quote. I meant to refer to pianist1976's post. Mea culpa.

[nyiregyhazi]

Yes, you're correct. I thought that there were two silent clips but I guess I was wrong. For what it's worth, I too have read that Horowitz thought of Op 10 no.2 as very difficult, supposedly calling it "impossible." Nonetheless I believe he might have recorded it but since my memory has already proven inaccurate...)

He definitely didn't.

[andrewkoay]

Standards are higher now, I think every single concert pianist at the top level are able to play everything nowadays....

[lelle]

I think the story goes Horowitz considered op 10 no 1 too risky to play in public but I am sure he played all the Chopin etudes very well.

[awesom_o]

I think the story goes Horowitz considered op 10 no 1 too risky to play in public but I am sure he played all the Chopin etudes very well.

This is correct! I just want to add to it that Horowitz possessed a VAST repertoire that he never played in public.