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The voltage is high, but the atmosphere is more relaxed in this live 1943 Tchaikovsky than these artists' overdriven studio version a few years earlier. More than a few pianists injured themselves attempting to play octaves as Vladimir Horowitz does here. The pianist's relationship with Beethoven was an on/off affair, but Horowitz' uncluttered, direct Emperor is one of the finest versions of this warhorse on disc. The lyrical, rapt slow movement brings out the frustrated opera singer in Horowitz, while Fritz Reiner supports his soloist with a sturdy, alert orchestral framework. A most attractive release. --Jed Distler