Search - Alexander Borodin, Dmitry Kabalevsky, Mikhail Glinka :: Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition, A Night on Bald Mountain, and Other Russian Showpieces [Hybrid SACD]

Russian orchestral show-stoppers

The truth and nothing but | The High Peak, in the United Kingdom | 04/16/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a golden era this record dates from and yet it wares its age well! Reiner's interpretations are quite inspirational and the Chicago Orchestra plays exceptionally well - as ever - for the maestro. What performances! The recorded sound is fantastic - especially the SACD layer. There really is little to fault here and this can be considered highly recommendable.



Performance: 5/5

There really is little to fault here. Every bar, every musical line and every piece on this record is full of a life and energy that is so fresh and warm. The orchestra plays very well and clearly enjoys this music. The playing is incisive and reasonably plush. They balance very nicely and articulate their parts with an easy precision that feels neither comatose nor insistent. Its just right. Listen to those brasses "Pictures'" Promenade or the Great Gate of Kiev - from this exceptional quality it is understandable why this orchestra's brass section has always been rated so highly. Listen to the difficult passages of the second movement, the ensemble is cohesive and precise but with a slight hint of difficulties and lapses in togetherness - nothing major but there are small hints. Generally, the playing is well together and the quibbles aren't worth deducting anything from the record's score. There is a stark and dark quality to Night on Bald Mountain which also brings playing of great intensity. The commitment in the playing of the various overtures and marches cannot be faulted either. Superb!



Sound: 5/5

Considering the age of this record the sound quality is phenomenal! The SACD layer has warm, full, balanced and natural sound. Even the strings of this orchestra - oft-berated for lacking in even tone and body - shine through pleasantly. It really is very lifelike. At times, particularly in the overtures, there emerges some rawness which betrays the age though none of this impacts upon the main event - Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition. Considering the age of this record, there is no reason for deducting any marks at all. It is difficult not to be impressed by such sound.



Interpretation: 5/5

Reiner's view of Pictures is jovial and easy going though it has maximum fire and energy when necessary. Reiner clearly had a good sense of orchestral colour and these performances show this. He balances the orchestra superbly and extracts a bright and beautiful sound from his orchestra. He portrays the images well and, at times, the interpretation is quite evocative of the images' programmatic descriptions. His commitment is unquestionable. Some may take issue with a slightly swift reading of the Great Gate of Kiev but it fits so convincingly after the energetic and intensely exciting penultimate movement that it remains a pleasure all-round. Yes, the coda is indeed maestoso enough to please anyone, surely. The reading of Night on Bald Mountain is dark, exciting and, again, colourful culminating in a deeply felt perception of the closing moments. The other pieces are all commanded with élan and verve with nothing to fault here either.



These are fantastic performances in an all-round fantastic record which any collection should have room for. If you are looking for a revealing and felt performance of Mussorgsky's two popular works, you need look no further. Of course the competition is fierce but rivals won't better this by much. If you want alternatives, however, either of Karajan's recordings on DG are worth seeking out while DG have another gem in Sinopoli's account which, unfortunately, as of writing, is unavailable. This record, though, shouldn't disappoint!

"

Masterful Recording and Transition to Digital

Nathan A. Groves | California =( | 12/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Review Equipment: Sennheiser HD515 headphones, and an upgraded X-Fi ExtremAudio (high end op-amp installed for main stereo portion).

Note that I am only reviewing the CD portion, for I do not have the equipment necessary to listen to the SACD portion (which is probably incredible, going by what I've heard so far).

I had the old Phillips CD of this same recording, and this one blows it away. Clarity, definition, everything is perfect. I could not find any flaws, other than a bit of analog whir when turned up on my HD515s, which is not only normal, but perfectly acceptable. This is the definitive version of the disk that got me into classical music a long time ago, and if you want to get into the greatest of musical genres, or want a high-quality supplement for your collection, this is it. At this price, it is an absolute steal.



The recording was made with three microphones, so if it is played with a SACD player, it will use the left, center, and right channels, supposedly giving you an authentic concert experience. I have no reason at all to doubt them, I can't wait to get some equipment capable of utilizing the SACD portion.



Pros: Bleeds quality of a masterful work, even the case is much better than a standard jewel case, can be played in an SACD player for authentic 3 point concert sound.

Cons: None at all."

From Festival of Russian Music, a great 60s recording

Zolaid Raneiro | Mexico City | 06/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Moreover the Pictures at an Exhibition, the rest of the pieces (from an original recording from sixties) are simply the best performance I know for those russian works. Originally, those pieces where sold in the LP "Festival of Russian Music", which original discs are collection pieces you can only find (used and not intact) at e-bay and collectors stores.

The "Festival" was the main reason to buy this CD. But the "Pictures" is an excelent performance too (I could compare it to the von Karajan's for Deutsche Grammophon).

The "Festival" could be bought separately, but in this CD you have a genuine bargain.

Buy it, and enjoy."