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
wolf_garcia
6,625 posts
 

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

chayro OP
2,930 posts
 

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.

dougthebiker
184 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.

jazzguy43
32 posts
 

Try the Dorian CD played on Organ.

jomace
10 posts
 

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.

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