Search - Maurice Ravel, Claude Debussy, Robert Schumann :: Pictures at an Exhibition

Reference recording

Chris Honingh | Krommenie, NH Netherlands | 08/04/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If music is the tonal expression of thought than Ravel was one of the greatest minds in music of the twentieth century. His experiments have lifted music out of impressionism into expressionism in the same way as in literature and painting. The lesser-known Overture to Shéhérazade is wonderful in its intimacy and so different from the interpretation of the fairytale by Rimsky-Korsakov (although you should listen to the performance under Bernstein). The Pictures of an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky are lively and impressive, especially the last movement with resounding bells and a triumphant brass-section. I think the compilation is well chosen, all pieces sound rather French in style, even the Schumanns. The sound quality is immaculate, full of little details, sound stage is perfectly balanced."

Magnificent and Lush! Oue is amazing!

Hilary Cable | Altadena, CA USA | 06/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Eiji Oue conducts this compilation of turn-of-the-century pre-modernist meditations with superb diction and clarity. He is a truly gifted conductor and gets more out of the Minnesota Orchestra than I ever imagined possible. Cut 23, "The Great Gate at Kiev," is simply magnificent. Mussorgsky captures the essence of standing in front of a work of art-the sense of being awed, then puzzled, then enlightened. Oue follows his lead by capturing the essence of a world poised to leap into a new century: The fear, the magic, and the optimism. It's lush and absolutely gorgeous."