What happened to those pianos?

[ahmedito]

What happened to Horowitz's pianos? Where did they end up after he died? I was under the impression that he traveled with them, so where are they now?

[erecording]

I'm not exactly sure. However, I think his piano travels around. I know that it was exhibited in Madison, WI for awhile.

[wynnbear]

The piano was acquired by Steinway from his estate.  They put it on tour at dealerships and events. 

But, before they did, they completely replaced the action, so that the piano that travels around is not the one that Horowitz played.  Techs that were familiar with the piano when Horowitz had it indicated the touch was ultra-light and the voicing was quite bright.

[Grane]

Believe Steinway always owned the piano -- they lent it to him for a wedding present or something like that.

I did play the piano when it was in NY and indeed the action was very, very light.  If you accidentally brush against a key moving your hands, the note played.  Believe they reduced the gramweights in the keys (they are on the side of each key).

Heard the same thing that Steinway changed the action.  Believe the piano is still touring for Steinway customers or visitors to play.

[pianopitchman]

Grane, you are partially right.  Steinway always owned the piano.  The supplied it to Horowitz for a concert and he fell in love with it.  It was his touring piano for the rest of his life. 
If anyone wants a deeper look into Horowitz, you should pick a book by Franz Mohr titled "My Life With the Great Pianists".  Mohr was Horowitz's personal technician for a large part of his life.  I had the chance to attend a PTG meating where Mor spoke and it was quite interesting.

[teresa_b]

Yep, it's on tour.  I played it a few months ago, as it was here in the Tampa bay area at the Steinway dealer's showroom. 

It does have the famous light action, but I didn't especially like it.  the piano seemed to need work, as I didn't think the regulation was that great, and the action seemd to me a bit uneven. 

All the best, Teresa

[pianopitchman]

Steinway dealers famously do no prep work to the Horowitz piano when it comes into their stores for a showing.  The reason is to make a new (and sellable) D look great in comparison to the "legendary" piano.