Search - Modest Mussorgsky, Paavo Järvi, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra :: Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition [Hybrid SACD]

Wonderful performances and sound

J. Faraldi | Manahawkin, NJ USA | 12/23/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I do not write many reviews here but I just had to communicate my thoughts about this recording when I saw that NO ONE had written about it yet.



Simply put, if you love this music, get this NOW! The sound is clear and rich. Paavo Jarvi and the Cincinnati present these warhourses beautifully with freshness, energy, passion and great playing.



I heard things I have not hear before, (maybe I wasn't listening well enough). I did get the sense of being at Carnegie Hall (how I miss going there) and hearing this music live in concert.



Anyway, take it from someone who listens to ALOT of classical music and owns 22 recording of "Pictures", I cannot think of one I have enjoyed more."

Demonstration quality sound

K. Ross Johnston | Calgary, AB Canada | 01/02/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Stunning is the word that first comes to mind after listening to this album. The folks at Telarc (in particular Michael Bishop, the engineer, and Robert Woods, the producer) are showing us how good SACD can be. The detail and dynamics are superb. Combine this with an excellent performance by Paavo Jarvi and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, a Grammy Nomination for Best Surround Sound Album, great tunes by Mussorgsky (orchestrations by Rimsky-Korsakov and Ravel) and you have in my opinion one of the top classical albums of 2008. A must-have for audiophiles."

Soothing and beautiful...but is it valid?

K. H. Lee | 12/23/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The orchestral playing is very disciplined and it is beautiful and also colorful.

I have a mixed feeling for the Night on Bald Mountain. Polished and pretty but not gripping or grotesque. Pictures at an Exhibition is more successful. Detailed, refined, and keen to dynamics... Jarvi seems to be obsessed with details. The opening promenade, Ballet Des Poussins Dans Leurs Coques, Limoges, Catacombs, and Baba-Yaga are high points of this disc. But I sense certain lack of sheer energy and vigor. The Great Gates sounds tamed and moderately subdued. Gnomus and Bydlo need more gravitas from lower strings."