#153 The Smell of Stairway

This composition runs on and up, it's a stairway, sometimes massive, sometimes steep but still grand. You have to run the stairs–there are spots where you can breathe out but in these moments, hunting memories are coming to your head: go, go!

Argerich on her debut recital album is marvelous. She unstoppable, raved. But don't think about it as about a romantic aberrance–this is well structured, totally controlled performance. Very Brahms, very Argerich.

Composer: Johannes Brahms
Work: Rhapsody No 1
Recording: Martha Argerich

#9 The Smell of Strictness

Fascinating composition and fascinating recording. Recorded for the first time–25 years after Horowitz's American debut–at Carnegie hall. Soon, Mr. Horowitz announces his withdraw from public performances (he'll be back in 12 years; his final recital will take place when he's 84 years old).

Playful, yes; dancing, dignified, grandiose. Well calculated, very focused. It's not a strict piece of music. But the smell is there.

Composer: Franz Liszt, arr. Horowitz
Work: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2
Recording: Vladimir Horowitz, RCA Victor, 1953

#2 The Smell of Pain

Listen to the violin. How forceful it is. Mayhem of soul. Misdoings of the world. Smell the pain that will never fade. This is not a dancing, playful recording but it's beautiful. It's a fight that cannot be won. Mr. Oistrakh, what have you done?

Composer: Maurice Ravel
Work: Tzigane
Recording: Igor Oistrakh, Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, Boris Khaikin