Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition (Original Piano Version & Orchestral Version: Ashkenazy)

Modest Mussorgsky (Composer), Vladimir Ashkenazy (Conductor, Performer), Philharmonia Orchestra of London (Orchestra)

Product Details

• Performer: Vladimir Ashkenazy
• Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra of London
• Conductor: Vladimir Ashkenazy
• Composer: Modest Mussorgsky
• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B0000041Q6
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #31,523 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Capture of the Soul of Moussorgsky, November 9, 2003

By	Dr. Robert S. Bean "rxbobrph" (Winter Springs, FL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

After hearing a great many interpretations of this work, as well as performing it myself, I found a 1976 recording on vinyl by Ashkenazy. It was stunning to say the least. However, it seems like greatness often builds on greatness; and this artist is a prime example of that adage. Upon first hearing Ashkenazy's piano interpretation, I brought out my piano score, and listened to a recording by Horowitz, as well as a newly released rendition by Byron Janis. I have read many a review as to Ashkenazy's attempts to stay as close to the score as possible. In this recording, he does almost precisely that. In my Horowitz and Janis recordings, the Promenade between "Goldenberg and Schmuyle" and "The Market Place at Limoges" is just not there. Horowitz also takes liberties where I don't think he should (an upper triplet root/7th/root insertion at the end of "The Great Gate of Kiev", for example.)
Ashkenazy's performance is, to use a term not exactly precise,
brilliant. Although his rendition of "Bydlo" is taken initially at at least a ff (fortissimo), the Hartman portrait is of a Polish ox cart with massive wheels--the ff rendition portrays the clumsy, massive cart in a way as if one can picture it in the mind's eye! Ashkenazy's control of the keyboard in all the movements is stellar--his rendition of "The Hut of Baba Yaga", in my opinion, cannot be surpassed. His technique of performing parallel octaves (which run rampant through the composition) is, in my opinion, perfection incarnate. One measure a piano jury uses in critiquing a performance is if the piano "sings"--and Ashkenazy certainly makes the piano sing from soprano to basso buffo, to correlate with the human voice.
Although his orchestral arrangement (brilliantly performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra) is different than Ravel's, it is lovely and demands a listen. This is a "must have" CD!

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Phenomenal Recording, December 31, 2000

By	"drstrangelove84" (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews

I had the good fortune to pick this CD (almost) at random at a Borders store. I was looking for a recording of the original piano version - thank God I found this one. Ashkenazy's performance is fiery and emotional, with genius bordering on insanity. Be warned, this is not a sedate recording. His musical brilliance breathes incredible life into Mussorgsky's notes in both the piano and orchestral version.

Without doubt, Ashkenazy makes some unexpected and controversial decisions. For example, he takes "The Old Castle" at almost twice the speed of most other recordings. If you can forget for a moment what you've heard before and really LISTEN to the music as he plays it, you'll see that this interpretation is beautiful and sonorous - in my opinion, easily on par with the traditional slower interpretation. Ashkenazy also begins "Bydlo" at a crushing forte rather than the traditional piano. Again, if you can listen with an open mind, you'll see that his interpretation works. In my opinion, his best performance on this CD is the piano version of "Baba Yaga". Ashkenazy absolutely ATTACKS the piano, and yet maintains technical perfection and an impeccable musical feel all the while. His "Great Gate" I'm somewhat less fond of - in contrast to the Ravel's brass, his is a softer, string-based melody. Despite this, the technical playing and musical acumen is always superb. Even though I'm not as fond of the last movement, Ashkenazy's orchestration seems to convey much more color and passion that Ravel's. Both are masterful orchestrations, but Ashkenazy's is bolder and, to some, downright weird. The opening Promenade is somewhat lighter, the solo in Samuel Goldenberg is given to a violin instead of a trumpet player. As a trumpet player myself, I was not overly fond of this, but musically, it works. Ashkenazy's orchestration is a novel approach and a definite jolt, and I urge anyone who enjoys this suite or Russian music in general to buy this recording.

For Ravel's orchestration, I reccomend the Chicago Symphony under Fritz Reiner. Again, that is a very fiery recording. Undoubtedly, some will feel that "The Great Gate" especially is TOO bold and brassy - for you, I suggest the Berlin Phil's recording with von Karajan.

As to this CD, however, Ashkenazy's performance throughout is stunningly brilliant. This is "Pictures at an Exhibition" played with gall and fire and brilliance and life that I have never heard equalled through the entire suite. Buy it.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Taking Risks and Owning Them: A Terrific Alternative Approach, October 14, 2006

By	Grady Harp (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Vladimir Ashkenazy is a brilliant pianist and a fine conductor: quid pro quo. It is refreshing to know that he is also a fiery challenger to old conventions. While nearly every concert-goer has been swept away by the gorgeous Ravel orchestra of Modest Mussorgsky's masterwork, PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION (the latest experience for this listener was the wondrous full-bodied and magnificent performance by Esa-Pekka Salonen conducting the LA Philharmonic is Disney Hall - an aural experience of a lifetime!), too few are familiar with first, the piano version of the work and second, Mussorgsky's original orchestration. Ashkenazy corrects that and adds to it his own interpretative language and the result is fascinating.

Ashkenazy first performs the piano version and brings spirit, fire, moodiness, and dark thoughts and yes, even humor to this difficult score. His playing is first rate and he opens windows to the score that others ignore. But then he immediately follows his piano performance by conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra in his own 're-do' of the Mussorgsky orchestration. While some may not find the original to be as atmospheric or dazzling as Ravel's more frequently performed version, Ashkenazy goes all out in making sure the original thoughts of the composer are not forgotten. It is a fine feat, a well-played version and one that collectors who enjoy exploring the history of a work should own. Grady Harp, October 06