Vladimir Horowitz

Vladimir Horowitz was born near Kiev, Russia in 1903. One of the most well-known performers of the 20th century, Horowitz studied with both Felix Blumenfeld and Sergei Tarnowsky. His brilliant virtuosity attracted much attention in post-Revolutionary Russia and led to his U.S. debut in 1928. Five years later, Horowitz married Wanda Toscanini, daughter of the famous conductor. Horowitz's career was interrupted several times by lengthy withdrawals from the concert stage. His "historic return" in 1965, after a 12-year absence, was greeted with wild enthusiasm. During the 1980s, Horowitz returned to Europe and the USSR, playing to emotional, sold-out audiences. He left a large recorded legacy covering most of his active repertoire. He died in 1989.