Pictures at an Exhibition

**** You know it’s all about the conductor getting the orchestra inline.****

Not quite. I would put what @mayoradamwest wrote somewhat differently. Yes, the conductor’s vision for the work is the primary guiding force, but still far from “it(s) all”. The smart conductor gives much consideration to the strengths and weaknesses (minor, relatively speaking, in major orchestras) of a particular orchestra, its musical traditions and its principal players. When that happens is when the truly great performances happen. This work happens to be one for which the conductor’s choice of tempo for each “picture” can make or break the performance. The players do the heavy lifting, but ultimately they have to play to the conductor’s tempo, as just one example.

My favorite recordings of the Ravel orchestration of this work are the Chicago/Kubelik 1951 recording. I prefer it to the vaunted Reiner. Outstanding performance and excellent mono sound.

Another, and probably my favorite overall, is the Muti/Philadelphia which also features very nice saxophone playing in “The Old Castle”. Sadly, the saxophone playing in this beautiful “picture” is usually lacking in otherwise good overall performances. It is also a great example of how the choice of tempo can make or break a work.  Some conductors like to conduct this movement at lethargic tempos. Muti takes it at a tempo that moves forward, yet still evocative. Very beautiful.

There are no great orchestras without great conductors. Same with train lines and electrical connections.

I was watching several different performers playing the piece on You Tube yesterday and I was astounded at the differences in approach. The touch, tempo, dynamics. When I was in school, we studied the fact that the “scholars” differed on how older music was originally played, but Pictures was written in 1874, which is not that long ago, compared to Bach, etc. I was very surprised at how 4 different concert-level players took such different approaches. Very interesting to watch.

If you’d like to hear a sonically spectacular version, Jean Guillou transcribed it for organ and it was recorded on the Dorian label.  It will give your subs a workout.  I love it.

Try the Dorian CD played on Organ.