On Thu, 11 Dec 2008 10:26:29 -0500, "Reginald P. Smithers III, Esq."
wrote:

Boater wrote:
Reginald P. Smithers III, Esq. wrote:
John wrote:
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.



I am not cultured enough to prefer Pictures at an Exhibition "as
written". I have always thought the piano version is nice, but
different, sort of "Pictures at an Exhibition Unplugged". Since the
music was written to be played at his friends art exhibit, it would
have been difficult to get an orchestra in the small gallery, so
Mussorgsky didn't have that option. If you look at Mussorgsky other
compositions, I would guess he would have enjoyed the heavy and
overwrought Orchestrated version. If there EVER was a piece of music
that was HEAVY and OVERWROUGHT, it is Night on Bald Mountain.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_0GekZl7YA

I have enjoyed Night on Bald Music since I heard it in Disney's
Fantasia, and that when I thought it was written by Disney.

I am just a boorish uncouth type of guy who knows what he likes, and
would never know what music to listen to on high tech speakers and
what music to listen to on old regular speakers. On top of that you
need to about what decade the music was recorded,

I had no idea how difficult it is to be cultured and refined.



Life isn't easy for the likes of you.

That piece of music you like from the famous Disney cartoon is not Night
on Bald Mountain. It is Night on Bare Mountain.

Damn, I learn something new all the time. If you had not pointed that
out, I would never have known. You may want to contact Disney about
this because they are selling the Walt Disney's Fantasia: Remastered
Original Soundtrack official but they included A Night on Bald Mountain
by Mussorgsky, instead of Night on Bare Mountain. They must not be a
flaunt in translating Russian as you are. Night on Bald Mountain and
Night on Bare Mountain are the exact same music, it is a difference in
translation of the Russian.


"I had no idea how difficult it is to be cultured and refined." For
someone like you, it probably is.

I know, I try to enjoy life and not worry trying to be pompous or if I
am listening to music on the correct speakers. Jeez, you really are
funny. I would enjoy meeting you in real life, I would lay 10 to 1 odds
that you are real mousy reserved type of guy. I have never known anyone
who tries so desperately seeks approval.

Reggie, I think the sentence above which begins, "I would enjoy..." is
false.
--
John