Mieczysław Horszowski was a Polish-American pianist who achieved a career that spanned an incredible nine decades, making him one of the longest performing pianists in history. Born in Lviv, Austro-Hungarian Empire (now Ukraine) on June 23, 1892, Horszowski displayed prodigious musical talent from a young age, giving his first public performance at the age of 6. He studied under Theodor Leschetizky in Vienna and subsequently moved through the European classical music circuit, where he became known for his deep understanding and nuanced interpretation of a wide range of repertoire.

Horszowski's playing was characterized by its finesse, clarity, and a lyrical sense of phrasing, which brought him acclaim in performances of works by composers such as Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven—musicians he would remain closely associated with throughout his lengthy career. Despite the outbreak of both World Wars and the shifting landscape of the 20th century, he maintained a robust career, eventually settling in the United States. There, he continued to perform, record, and teach—his latter years marked by a profound wisdom and connection to the old-world traditions of European classical music. He passed away on May 22, 1993, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, leaving behind a rich legacy of recorded performances that continue to captivate and inspire musicians and audiences alike. His most recent releases, featuring live performances at the Casals Hall and other historic venues, capture the compelling emotion and technical mastery that were the hallmarks of his enduring artistry.

Genres

Classical Piano

Polish Classical Piano

Latest Release

The Lyrinx Archives, Festival Pablo Casals (Prades, 26 July 1986): Mieczysław Horszowski’s historic ‘Retour à Prades’ concert

Mieczysław Horszowski

Album - 14 Tracks - Released January 26, 2024