Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Modest Mussorgsky's "Mussorgsky: Bilder einer Ausstellung" (Pictures at an Exhibition), a timeless classical masterpiece orchestrated by Maurice Ravel. This album, released on January 1, 1998, by Deutsche Grammophon, offers a rich and diverse listening experience that spans a little over an hour and nine minutes.
The album is a vivid musical journey through a series of imaginative scenes inspired by Viktor Hartmann's artwork. Mussorgsky's original piano compositions are brilliantly orchestrated by Ravel, bringing each scene to life with a symphonic richness that enhances the emotional depth and narrative power of the music.
From the playful "Promenade" themes that connect the movements to the dramatic "Gnomus," the serene "The Old Castle," and the lively "Ballet of the Chickens in Their Shells," each track is a distinct musical painting. The album culminates in the grand and majestic "The Great Gates of Kyiv," leaving a lasting impression of Mussorgsky's unique compositional genius.
This recording is a testament to the enduring appeal of Mussorgsky's work, offering both seasoned classical enthusiasts and newcomers a chance to explore the depth and beauty of his musical vision. Whether you're drawn to the orchestral arrangements or the intricate piano compositions, "Mussorgsky: Bilder einer Ausstellung" is a compelling addition to any classical music collection.
Pictures at an Exhibition (Orch. Ravel): Promenade 1 - Recorded 1966Modest Mussorgsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Pictures at an Exhibition (Orch. Ravel): I. Gnomus - Recorded 1966Modest Mussorgsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Pictures at an Exhibition (Orch. Ravel): Promenade 2 - Recorded 1966Modest Mussorgsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Pictures at an Exhibition (Orch. Ravel): II. Il castello vecchio "The Old Castle" - Recorded 1966Modest Mussorgsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Pictures at an Exhibition (Orch. Ravel): Promenade 3Modest Mussorgsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Pictures at an Exhibition (Orch. Ravel): III. TuileriesModest Mussorgsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Pictures at an Exhibition (Orch. Ravel): IV. Bydlo "The Oxcart"Modest Mussorgsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Pictures at an Exhibition (Orch. Ravel): Promenade 4 - Recorded 1966Modest Mussorgsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Pictures at an Exhibition (Orch. Ravel): V. Ballet of the Chickens in Their Shells - Recorded 1966Modest Mussorgsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Pictures at an Exhibition (Orch. Ravel): VI. Samuel Goldenberg and SchmuÿleModest Mussorgsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Pictures at an Exhibition (Orch. Ravel): VII. The Market at Limoges - Recorded 1966Modest Mussorgsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Pictures at an Exhibition (Orch. Ravel): VIIIa. Catacombae "Sepulcrum romanum" - Recorded 1966Modest Mussorgsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Pictures at an Exhibition (Orch. Ravel): VIIIb. Cum mortuis in lingua mortua - Recorded 1966Modest Mussorgsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Pictures at an Exhibition (Orch. Ravel): IX. The Hut on Fowl's Legs "Baba-Yaga" - Recorded 1966Modest Mussorgsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Pictures at an Exhibition (Orch. Ravel): X. The Great Gates of Kyiv - Recorded 1966Modest Mussorgsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: Promenade. Allegro giusto, nel modo rustico, senza allegrezza, ma poco sostenuto - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: 1. Gnomus.Sempre vivoModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: Promenade. Moderato commodo assai e con delicatezza - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: 2. The Old Castle. Andantino molto cantabile e con doloreModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: Promenade. Moderato non tanto,pesamente - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: 3. The Tuileries Gardens. Allegretto non troppo troppo, capricciosoModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: 4. Bydlo. Sempre moderato, pesanteModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: Promenade. Tranquillo - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: 5. Ballet of the Chickens in Their ShellsModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: 6. Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle. Andante. Grave-energico - AndantinoModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: Promenade. Allegro giusto, nel modo russico, poco sostenuto - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: 7. The Market-place at Limoges. Allegretto vivo, sempre scherzando - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: 8. The Catacombs (Sepulchrum romanum). Largo - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: Con mortuis in lingua mortua. Andante non troppo, con lamentoModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: 9. The Hut on Fowl's Legs (Baba-Yaga). Allegro con brio, feroce - Andante mosso - Allegro molto - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: 10. The Great Gate of Kiev. Allegro alla breve. Maestoso. Con grandezzaModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman