Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an exhibition"

[stormx]

I usually prefer piano solo over orchestra, but in this case, i find more powerfull the Ravel orchestrated version.

What do you think?

PD: The solo piano version i have heard is by Lazar Berman.

[thalbergmad]

There is very little music that i dslike, but this is one of them.

[iumonito]

You should try to listen, at least, to Richter's Sofia version, Pogorelich, Kissin and Ashkenazy.

[pianorama]

Tough question. For once I know what someone is talking about. The piano at times, especially at the end sounds so crashy and just plain annoying.... Though the orchestra is sometimes almost too smooth...

I choose....


                                  O    R    C    H    E    S    T    R    A!

[JCarey]

Orchestra for me, though this piece is not really one of my favorites. It has its moments in both settings, though overall, I find the orchestral version to be more interesting and exciting.

[pianistimo]

barry douglas made an excellent recording of this for the tchaikovsky competition 1987  or so.  but, the ravel is pretty cool.  leopold stokowski's rendition is spectacular. 

the idea of creating small descriptive pieces of each piece of artwork is a unique form.  and, the descriptive elements are neat.  the 'mystery' of the piece may be shrouded in the orthodox church bell idea - tied in with the 'great gate of kiev.'  the monarchy and the church used to be the formal element of russia.  it had a certain grandeur and even though people hated being ruled, they liked the 'traditions.'  people feel secure in knowing they have a culture and traditions.  you can definately hear the russian culture.

if you want a taste of russian basso singing (much like the bass elements in mussorgsky) listen to ivan rebrov.  one of the worlds best singers with an AMAZING range. 

[cziffra]

horowitz version for piano true

[debussy symbolism]

Greetings.

I love this piece.

[debussy symbolism]

Pieces. I really need to proofread my posts.

[mcgillcomposer]

I don't think the choice is as black and white as you suggest.  I would say that some of the movements are more effective in the Ravel orchestration, and some more effective in the original. 

For instance, Catacombae is a depiction of “Hartmann himself examining the Paris catacombs by the light of a lantern.”  The numerous fermatas in combination with the subject of this movement, proves to be perfectly suited to the piano.  The natural decay that occurs on this instrument, immediately after a pitch is sounded, embodies the very sound of a crypt.  Moreover, the resonation of the sound proves analogous to the echoes that characterize the stereotypical perception of being in a tomb.  Although, the introductory Promenade seems so suited to Ravel's orchestration that, in retrospect, the original cannot compete.  Several more examples can be drawn to support each.

Re: the Great Gate of Kiev...I have to say that I prefer the piano, because one gets the sound of tolling bells...just like in Rachmaninoff's C# minor prelude.

Just my two cents.

- Andrew

[mikey6]

I prefer the the orchstral Great Gate to the piano, personally I think it's too big for piano (especially the end) - unless someone seriously has there pacing issues nutted out and can build it up.  But some good points mcgillcomposer, hadn't thought of it like that.

[pianolist]

Just for the record, Prokofiev recorded Bydlo, Ballet of Chickens, and An Old Castle, on two piano rolls, first published in the early 1920s. He starts the Promenade slowly, and accelerates towards the end, rather like a visitor to an exhibition might do in real life, as another picture looms into view. I'd be curious to know whether it was simply his interpretation, or whether there was an early Russian tradition of not playing it at a fixed speed.

[pianistimo]

very cool!

[cfortunato]

I am crazy about this piece - crazy enough to have learned to play some of it, despite its being beyond my ability.  Took a ton of time, too, but I was motivated by sheer love of the music.

I prefer the piano.  I think Ravel did a tremendous job, but the piano is just so raw and stark that I love it.  It reminds us all the the piano is a percussion instrument.

My wife HATES it though.  ESPECIALLY the piano version.  So I have felt the need to only play it when she isn't in the house.