HOROWITZ, VLADIMIR. (1904-1989). Ukrainian-born, American pianist. CS. (“V. Horowitz”). 1p. Oblong 8vo. The White House, March [20], 1986. A large White House card signed, dated and inscribed by the great pianist to “Michel, with my best wishes.”

Horowitz’s illustrious career began in his native Russia where he was a student at the Kiev Conservatory. After distinguishing himself as a performer of remarkable accuracy and brilliant interpretation in the capitals of Europe, Horowitz made his Carnegie Hall debut in 1928 and eventually settled in the U.S. His recordings of Schumann and Liszt are still regarded as definitive interpretations. In 1982, Horowitz’s abilities began to decline and several performances in the U.S. and Japan in 1983 were interrupted by memory lapses and a loss of physical control attributed to drug and alcohol use leading him to take a two-year hiatus from performing in public.

On March 20, 1986, President Reagan received Horowitz in the Oval Office, prior to Horowitz’s April trip to the Soviet Union, the first time he had visited his homeland since 1925. His recitals in Moscow and Leningrad represented a thawing of relations between the US and USSR and were broadcast on television and a recording of the performances topped the charts.

Also present at the meeting between Reagan and Horowitz were his wife, Wanda Toscanini Horowitz, the daughter of Arturo Toscanini, and Peter Gelb, Horowitz’s manager, executive producer of “The Metropolitan Opera Presents” and currently general manager of the Met. Video of Horowitz’s White House visit is here: youtube.com/watch?v=GFvvXpK54uE&t=0s. After Horowitz’s return to the United States, Reagan awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Horowitz’s final recital took place in June 1987.

Matted and in excellent condition. Uncommon in this form.