Vladimir Samoylovich Horowitz (Владимир Самойлович Горовиц, Vladimir Samoylovich Gorovits; Ukrainian: Володимир Самійлович Горовиць, Volodymyr Samiylovych Horovyts; October 1 [O.S. September 18] 1903 – November 5, 1989) was a Russian-born American classical pianist and composer. He was known for his technique, use of tone color, and the excitement generated by his playing. He is thought of as one of the greatest pianists of all time.