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

Showing 3 responses by newbee

newbee
4,751 posts
 

For performance, Richter's Sofia recording made in 1958 can't be beat - everybody agrees! Problem is the recording was live and is poor. None the less it is great and sets a standard. Another very good performance in much better audio is Pletnev's on Virgin Classics. FWIW, one I listen to a lot is Noriko's version on BIS.

newbee
4,751 posts
 

FWIW, I just listened to some of my Mussorgsky's piano versions of 'Pictures' and clearly I overlooked Kissin's recording made early i his career. My mistake, I think. I like it quite a bit and recommend it. Pretty good recording too.

newbee
4,751 posts
 

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

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