The Russian-born pianist Vladimir Horowitz (1903-1989) is a true legend, and his name is still synonymous with the consummate piano virtuoso. He electrified his audiences with his stupendous technique and his remarkable ability to draw out the tonal color of the piano. He was also a nervous performer, and withdrew from the stage on numerous occasions. Some of his many recorded performances are indeed messy, but at his best, he is a virtuoso without peer. He enjoyed a twilight performing career in his eighties, when his playing was noted more for color, charm, and finesse than for the incredible bravura of his younger years. His emotional intensity, technical ease, and sense of pianistic color, as well as his sheer delight in performing are all apparent in this performance of this Scriabin étude–one of his signature pieces.