On Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:47:18 -0500, Boater wrote:



There are many themes in Russian music that are based upon folk tunes,
are nationalistic and are used by numerous composers. There are also
tonal similarities in the pieces you brought up.

Pictures at an Exhibition was written by its composer for solo piano. As
such, it is among the most difficult to learn and play collection of
piano pieces in the repertoire. I don't much like the Ravel
orchestration. I find it heavy and overwrought.

The best recordings of the piece *as written* date back a few decades to
performances in the old Soviet Union by Russian piano superstars. This
modern young fellow ain't bad, though:

http://www.serg.vangennip.com/www/piano.html

In fact, he's very good, and he is playing the piece *as written* by
Mussorgsky. It's best not to listen to solo piano music on super
high-tech speakers. They tend to be without...warmth.


--
John