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"Pictures at an Exhibition"

I'd love a recommendation for a really great sounding recording of the Ravel orchestration of "Pictures at an Exhibition." I have several recordings of this work, but none of them are recorded particularly well in terms of sound stage and dynamics, and now that my new system is up and running, I'd love something that can really show it off. Anything in a standard audio CD or easily accessible LP would be fine. Thanks in advance! :-)
rebbi
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Picked up the Reiner on CD tonight at Barnes & Noble. Thanks for the recommendation! I'll report back!
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Spank, the piano version is not a transcription. . . Modesto Mussorgsky scored the Pictures for piano. Later composers and conductors applied their talents to transcribing the work for orchestra, organ and. . . rock band (although the ELP version is strictly speaking a derivative pastiche and not a transcription per se). G.
mrmitch
359 posts
 
The Reiner can also be had on Chesky Records, I believe both LP and CD.--Mrmitch
goldorak's avatar
goldorak
89 posts
 
Guidocorona, the version you are probably referring to is a transcription for organ by and played by Jean Guillou. It was recorded in Tonhalle, Zurich 1988 (Dorian DOR-0117). This recording contains bass notes down to 16HZ!!!

Rebbi, other versions worth a listen: Markevitch/Berliner Philharmoniker (in mono) on Deutschgrammophon (00289 477 5479), Sargent/London Symphony Orchestra on Everest (reissue available) and with Pierre Hétu/Orchestre Mondial des Jeunesses musicales on Musicus LP MS2-45101 (pressed in 45 RPM) musically ordinary but sonically outstanding.

For the original piano version, I like Wonny Song on 21 Records label (XXI-CD 2 1553)
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Thank you Goldorak. not surprised the transcription is also by Jean Guillou. He is an amazing artist that I have had the fortune of hearing live in Milano when I was in my early teens. . . he is also a fantastic improviser of impromptu organ symphonies on themes provided by the live audience. GFunny thing is that I heard him at the concert season organize for young audiences by that very Jeunesses musicales that you mention in the Hetu recording.
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