Schumann: Piano Sonata No. 3 'Concerto Without Orchestra', Op. 14 [Horowitz 1976]

February 29, 1976: Ambassador College, Pasadena, California (Live)

The Piano Sonata No. 3 in F minor, Op. 14, called "Concerto for piano without orchestra" was composed in 1836 and dedicated to Ignaz Moscheles, to whom in a letter he comments "what crazy inspirations one can have". Liszt believed that the work was rich and powerful.

Horowitz performed only the third movement of the piece, Variations on a theme by Clara Wieck, several times between 1947-1951. He didn't show the whole piece for some reason, but it's proof that he had an early interest in the piece. In the 1975-1976 season, he brought the piece back on the stage and made some incredible performances with deep insight into Schumann. In particular, the way he accurately picks up the melodies in the very complex 4th movement is amazing.

00:00 Allegro
08:30 Scherzo. Molto commodo
14:11 Quasi variazioni. Andantino de Clara Wieck
22:36 Prestissimo possible