2. music
  3. 186868-1635

Pictures at an Exhibition

For someone who studied music in college, I somehow managed to miss Moussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition until now. I admit I’m not a fan of large-scale orchestral works, so I avoided it not knowing that it was originally written for solo piano. I picked up both CD and vinyl copies of the solo piano version and I think it is fabulous. A wonderful mix of simplicity and virtuosity and I can’t recommend it highly enough. I’m definitely tempted to pick up another version.

Plese let me know if you are aware of any outstanding performances of this piece. Thanks 

chayro
jazzguy43
32 posts
 

Try the Dorian CD played on Organ.

jomace
10 posts
 

Vladimir Horowitz recorded it on the piano twice; George Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra on Sony with two other great pieces is a favorite. I have never seen the value of pop versions since the orchestral versions are better played and colorful enough for any taste.

rost
91 posts
 

Not as well known but IMO up there with the best : Victoria Postnikova (wife to Guennadi Rozhdéstvenski) piano, Melodya 46049-2

There was a reissue on Olympia I believe.

 

realgoodsound
41 posts
 

Do yourself a favor and avoid the DGG piano version with Lazar Berman. Berman is great but the sound is flat, lifeless, sub-par. Very sterile room so no "space" 

niodari's avatar
niodari
297 posts
 

There is an orchestral soviet Melodia version that I like.

And I love ELP album with the same name, I think it is a really good interpretation and a piece of work despite that it was recorded live.

More to discover