Mussorgsky - Pictures at an Exhibition

[Guest]

I watched a documentary (with full concert at the end) of Mussorgsky - Pictures at an Exhibition, on Sky Arts 2 last night. It was fascinating.

I vaguely remember hearing this in my first year at secondary school back in 1980, but had forgotten about it.

The documentary was very informative, but the music was amazing.

[umslopogaas]

Try and get hold of the recording conducted by Toscanini, its electrifying. Only in mono, but you'd hardly notice.

[Three]

Thanks for that! Appreciated. :)

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Does anyone remember that TV broadcast of the work, conducted by Simon Rattle, that was accompanied by a giant projection of an artist splashing paint around to the music?

It was a kind of live "Fantasia", though I couldn't really see the point myself.

[johnb]

I've always liked the Muti recording - coupled with a very good performance of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring (available for less than a fiver via Amazon's Marketplace).

[Colonel Danby]

I was in the audience when Rattle conducted the Mussorgsky Pictures, and Norman whatever he's called painted his thoughts on canvas: he was effectively artist in residence at the CBSO. Agree that it was completely a waste of time: the Russian composer was reacting to the paintings of Victor Hartmann, and for Rattle to have an artist, very well paid, doodling in time to the music was indeed pointless: I'm normally a big fan of Uncle Simon, but this was a mistake.

[Chris Newman]

Of course, when I were a lad:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Y1x04hAUT4

They look so young.

[french frank]

The documentary was very informative, but the music was amazing.

And don't forget the work was originally written for piano solo. When you feel you're familiar with the work, try one of the piano versions.

[doversoul1]

And don't forget the work was originally written for piano solo. When you feel you're familiar with the work, try one of the piano versions.

Here is one:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2010/sep/23/mussorgsky-pictures-at-an-exhibition-review?INTCMP=SRCH

[johnb]

Also, as brilliant as Ravel's orchestral realisation is in his 'standard' orchestral version of Pictures, some (perhaps much) of the Russian-ness of the original has been Frenchified. Ironic really - seeing that Mussorgsky was part of the movement to rediscover Russian roots, in part as a reaction to the foreign (mainly French) influence.

Henry Wood's orchestration is very much worth hearing, even though it doesn't include all the pictures.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Orchestrations-Henry-London-Philharmonic-Orchestra/dp/B000U9XG2K/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1311284142&sr=1-1

[Three]

Thanks!

[Alison]

You could always try Chas Hazelwood and the Philharmonia next February

http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/11feb12/

[johnb]

Alison!!!

[Alison]

Yes I know John !!

In fact I was amazed the Philharmonia had formed the relationship.

[french frank]

Yes I know John !!

In fact I was amazed the Philharmonia had formed the relationship.

It's the outreach thing, isn't it? ("Conductor and TV presenter Charles Hazlewood will be your guide in 'Bigger Picture', concerts that will take the classical music-shy deep into the heart of the orchestra..."). It's what he does (I'm told, quite well). Piccies at an Exhibition is the 11 Feb concert, and Dvořák 9 the following week. Three is in Shrewsbury so not entirely impossible to get to for Sat at 4pm but a bit of an expense for an hour in the RFH.