Vladimir Horowitz Quotes & Sayings

If you want me to play only the notes without any specific dynamics, I will never make one mistake. — Vladimir Horowitz

There are three kinds of pianists: Jewish pianists, homosexual pianists, and bad pianists. — Vladimir Horowitz

Piano playing consists of common sense, heart and technical resources. All three should be equally developed. Without common sense you are a fiasco, without technique an amateur, without heart a machine. The profession does have its hazards. — Vladimir Horowitz

Perfection itself is imperfection — Vladimir Horowitz

I am a general. My soldiers are the keys and I have to command them. — Vladimir Horowitz

I must tell you I take terrible risks. Because my playing is very clear, when I make a mistake you hear it. If you want me to play only the notes without any specific dynamics, I will never make one mistake. Never be afraid to dare. — Vladimir Horowitz

The piano is an orchestra with 88 ... things, you know — Vladimir Horowitz

I have no style, because I change each time ... each day I play differently. Today I play differently than yesterday. — Vladimir Horowitz

My face is my passport. — Vladimir Horowitz

Played percussively, the piano is a bore. If I go to a concert and someone plays like that I have two choices: go home or go to sleep. The goal is to make the piano sing, sing, sing. — Vladimir Horowitz

Everyone goes to the forest; some go for a walk to be inspired, and others go to cut down the trees. — Vladimir Horowitz

My future is in my past and my past is my present. I must now make the present my future. — Vladimir Horowitz

Your mind must control, but you must have heart ... Give your feeling free. — Vladimir Horowitz