Which piano transcriptions surpass the original orchestral composition?

[aintgotnorhythm]

I'm thinking Pictures at an Exhibition in reverse (depending on your point of view) ... are there any piano transcriptions that improve on the original piano-free piece, or that at least shine a new light on to something that might otherwise seem very familiar?

[rodogg]

Yeah, in my opinion, Pictures at an Exhibition fits the orchestra much better than the piano. Still, the piece is great either way.
I think that's usually the case with such pieces; there is much more potential with an entire orchestra than with a single piano, unless it's something very piano/harpsicord-esque (i.e. Bach, Chopin, etc).
Rhapsody in Blue, though not really classical, is one orchestral piece that's a blast to play on piano! Not sure which was made first, but either way, it sounds excellent!
Though I haven't tried it yet, I think Tchaikovsky's Nutracker Suite would transition well. Maybe even Grieg's Peer Gynt Suites. Perhaps some piano concertos from the likes of Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms?
One piece I would LOVE to see written for the piano is Debussy's "Clouds", one of his nocturnes I believe. I've never seen a transcription for it... Beautiful piece.

[gerryjay]

I must disagree completely. Mussorgsky's Tableaux is perfect on the piano, and I must admit I dislike all transcriptions I know of this work, from Ravel's orchestration to Emerson/Lake/Palmer's whatever.

By the way, it makes me think that this is one - perhaps THE one - of the most tortured pieces ever written, because pianists - who should play it - seems to respect the score too much, and everybody else feels free to do anything. Just listen to Kazuhito Yamashita murdering...err...playing it on the guitar...well, guitarists love his version, but they know very little about non guitar music. And about music in general.

That said, and excusing me for the outburst, I think one of the most incredible transcriptions I know is Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet ballet to his opus 75. He creates a remarkable work of neoclassicism, painting the music in black and white. This creates such an effect...just listen to the last movement. Or even better, listen to the whole series and pay attention to the last movement. It is beyond my words to describe.

Another interesting examples are the transcriptions made by Liszt of opera, lieder. If you want something that puts another light on the original, then it comes to my mind.

Best regards,
Jay.

[starlady]

I prefer the Busoni piano transcription of the Bach Chaconne in D minor to the original violin version.  But I generally prefer piano to violin solos.

--s.

[perfect_pitch]

Personally - I think the Liszt Totentanz arranged for solo piano is far more exhilarating than the orchestral version (depending on who played it).

[gerryjay]

I prefer the Busoni piano transcription of the Bach Chaconne in D minor to the original violin version.  But I generally prefer piano to violin solos.

--s.

Dear Starlady,
The Busoni-Bach's Chaconne is a most interesting case. Between the original violin version (I mean, with a period instrument) and the piano reconstruction of Busoni, we have two experiences that are so different, that I find difficult to find someone who actually like both.

Anyway, this is a extreme example of a different light thrown on the original (by simply changing its very nature).

Best regards,
Jay.

[pianoplayjl]

Probably all of LIszt

[allenwang10]

I was particularly fond of Feinberg's transcription for Tchaikovsky 6th symphony third movement, mostly due to Volodos' performance in "Piano

[pianoplayjl]

CHernov's arragement of 'NIght on bald mountain' . i especially like that one. 

[redbaron]

I think Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker works brilliantly on the piano as does Stravinsky's Firebird. For me, the absolute finest transcription of an orchestral work is Sibelius' Finlandia, it knocks spots off the original and makes excellent use of the sonority of the instrument.