The Tchaikovsky First Concerto presented here, from 1941, was a best seller in its day and has retained its legendary status. Toscanini draws first class playing from his orchestra, and despite Horowitz's superstar status, it's clearly the conductor who's calling the interpretive shots. Toscanini considered his son in law to be the world's greatest pianist, and listening to this recording, it's easy to understand why. Horowitz's contribution includes stupendous, sizzling octaves, ferocious excitement, and a sensitively phrased second movement. Although there are other versions of this concerto which offer greater musical nourishment (including a Horowitz recording with Szell from 1953), this remains the most viscerally exciting Tchaikovsky First on disc. The 1941 recording session of Tchaikovsky's first piano concerto was made in Carnegie Hall with the NBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Horowitz's father-in-law, Arturo Toscanini. Yes, Horowitz had married Wanda Toscanini. One wonders what Toscanini thought about having Horowitz in his family. It's clear, however, the Toscanini and Horowitz had great respect for each other and they worked well together. This is quite apparent in this celebrated, very popular recording, originally issued on 78-rpm discs.