Search - Claude Debussy, Modest Mussorgsky, Maurice Ravel :: Ravel: Bolero; Debussy, Mussorgsky / Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

There are better recordings of Pictures

drstrangelove84 | Cleveland, OH United States | 01/01/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this CD thinking, "Hey, it's the Berlin Phil, it's got to be amazing." Well, it wasn't. If you're looking for "La Mer" or "Bolero", BUY this CD. They are magnificent and hypnotic, demonstrating what the orchestra and its conductor are really capable of. That is why this CD gets 4 stars.If, on the other hand, you are looking for "Pictures", look elsewhere. The Chicago Symphony under Reiner is the best recording I have found. Next to that, this version just doesn't compare. First of all, the opening Promenade has an uneven sound quality. It almost sounds like the trumpets are switching off on the solo. Not only that, but the trumpet seems to have an unusual buzz in his sound. It's really not pleasant to listen to. This is compounded by Karajan's slow tempos - the opening "Promenade" isn't too bad, but the others just drag. "Gnomus" is played brilliantly in places, but it lacks the twisting, wicked sound of the violins found in the CSO under Reiner. "The Old Castle", however, is one of the CD's strongest tracks. In "Samuel Goldenberg", I was once again displeased with the trumpet. He needs to get control of his tonguing and let some sound out. I know the solo is high and difficult and staccato - I play trumpet myself - but it just sounds ugly. The notes are spit out with little attention to quality and a few bobbles. "Limoges", "Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks", and "Tuileries" all lacked the playfulness found with the CSO, while "Baba Yaga" just was not vicious enough for my tastes. "The Great Gate" some of you may really enjoy. It is more calm and less brassy than the CSO version. However, the trumpet is yet again a problem. Either he's shaking and having trouble controlling the notes, or he's putting way too much vibrato in where it's not needed or wanted. Most of the problems I have with this "Pictures" are interpretational - the BPO does overall play quite well. Some of you will disagree with my notion of how the suite should sound and for you, this might be an excellent recording. I, however, don't like this version very much. I enjoy much more the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Reiner, and also Ashkenazy's piano and orchestral versions."

A top performance

P. Christie | Australia | 02/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This has long been one of my favourite performances of "Pictures". The sound quality from the early 60s recording is very good indeed. I find the pacing to be just right for this extraordinary work. I have listened to a number of versions over the years, including more recent recordings - including the Sinopoli version on DG, and a London Symphony version, as well as a few others that I have forgotten - none of them made my spine tingle like this one has. (The Ashkenazy version is a worthy complement to this version). The Bolero on this disc is also excellent. This is an excellent value CD."

Three of Von Karajan's finest directions

Mario A. Cerdas | San José, Costa Rica | 07/11/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The three performances in this CD will help immortalize perhaps the greatest director of the twentieth century: Herbert von Karajan. Karajan's control of Debussy's La Mer (The Sea) leaves you breathless, as it transports you directly to the big blue. Mussorgky's Pictures at an Exhibition, is another excellent example of not only Karajan's genius, but also of the richness of sound and musical textures that the Berliner Philarmoniker (Berlin Philharmonic) is capable. But what really makes this CD worth, is Karajan's direction of Ravel's Bolero, a magnificent, hypnotic composition lasting more than 16 minutes of pulsating musical beauty. If you want to know why von Karajan is considered one of the best orchestral directors, this CD will answer all those questions and eliminate all doubts."