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

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.

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.

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.

 

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"