Modest Mussorgsky – Pictures at an exhibition (1983) Piano and Orchestral - Conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy

This is an extraordinary record who gives you the original piano-version of the famous “Pictures at an exhibition” and the orchestral-version by Vladimir Ashkenazy. It was composed following Mussorgskys original script and differ sometimes to the wellknown version by Maurice Ravel. Ashkenazy translate Mussorgskys “modo russo” in a new powerful orchestral version, more russian than french.
Recorded in 1982 at Kingsway Hall in London.

“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!”

“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.”

“Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky has to be one of my favorite Miscellaneous pieces I have. This CD features not only the original piano version, played by the great Vladimir Ashkenazy, but the Orchestral Version of the piece as interperted by Ashkenazy himself.
Pictures at an Exhibition was Mussorgsky's claim to fame, as he rose up from little. This pieces soon became popular, and is often recognized for its wonderful promenade, the preface of five of the six movements. The promenade is first played by a lone finger on the piano (or in the orchestral version, a trumpet), which sets a simplistic setting for the rest of the promenade, soon going forth into complicated chords.
The movements were concluded by another section, relating exactly to Pictures at an Exhibition in that these sections resembled the place that they were named for (ie The Marketplace). Some are fast tempo'd (like movement I), but others (like movement II), are very slow and relaxed. Each is complicated in its own way, making the recording in whole very memorable.
The piece is originally a piano solo, which is in the first half of this CD recording. The many different parts that the soloist plays creates an atmosphere of complexity, making the piece sound as though it were played by a trio of pianists. The whole piece is very memorable, as i could recreate almost each movement in it's entirety right now.
The second half of this disc is an orchestral interpertation by the soloist of the piano solo, the wonderful Vladimir Ashkenazy. It is performed by the London Orchestra, which makes it sound wonderful. It is interesting to compare and contrast the overall goodness of both the pieces, as they are so different yet so alike.
Overall, this CD definitly deserves a 5 star rating. I give it that because it has kept me interested in Mussorgsky and classical music, as it is very interesting to listen to, and to attempt to play on the piano.”



Tracklist
1. Pictures at an Exhibition (for Piano) - Promenade - Gnomus 4:08
2. Pictures at an Exhibition (for Piano) - Promenade - The Old Castle 5:10
3. Pictures at an Exhibition (for Piano) - Promenade - The Tuileries - Bydlo 3:48
4. Pictures at an Exhibition (for Piano) - Promenade - Ballet of Unhatched chicks - 2 Polish Jews 4:11
5. Pictures at an Exhibition (for Piano) - The Market Place at Limoges - The Catacombs 6:36
6. Pictures at an Exhibition (for Piano) - The Hut on Fowls Legs - The Great Gate of Kiev 8:28
7. Pictures at an Exhibition (orchestrated by Vladimir Ashkenazy) - Promenade - Gnomus 4:14
8. Pictures at an Exhibition (orchestrated by Vladimir Ashkenazy) - Promenade - The old castle 5:24
9. Pictures at an Exhibition (orchestrated by Vladimir Ashkenazy) - Promenade - Tuileries – Bydlo 3:54
10. Pictures at an Exhibition (orchestrated by Vladimir Ashkenazy) - Promenade - Ballet of the unhatched chicks - 2 Polish Jews 4:33
11. Pictures at an Exhibition (orchestrated by Vladimir Ashkenazy) - Promenade - The Market Place at Limoges 7:03
12. Pictures at an Exhibition (orchestrated by Vladimir Ashkenazy) - The Hut on Fowls Legs - The Great Gate of Kiev 9:09
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Total playing time 1:06:30 h
(cover+artwork and description included)



And note: "Pass: none" means, that the pass is "none". O.k?! ;-)

I’m sure you’ll like this record! Ashkenazys interpretation is outstanding and really fantastic!
Listen and enjoy!