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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
chayro OP
2,931 posts
 

@mahler123 - you didn’t miss it because I didn’t say. It’s Denes Varjon. And I just ordered the Yamashita guitar version on CD. Should be interesting. My vinyl version is Lorin Hollander, but I think I only listened to it once because I am waiting for a new cartridge. 

rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano
2,451 posts
 

@mahler123 

 I’m glad you mentioned the Khatia performance.  I’m just re-listening to it, and indeed it is special.  Just a pensive browse through the exhibition, not a race.

newbee
4,751 posts
 

OK. FWIW I just ordered it. Better be good! :-)

rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano
2,451 posts
 

Newbee,

if you don’t like it, there’s spectacular performances of Ravel and Stravinsky to listen to.

hartf36's avatar
hartf36
200 posts
 

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.

+1.  "Gnomus" will tell you just how far your sub(s) REALLY go. 😉

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