Moussorgsky - Pictures at an Exhibition (1958) {Classic/RCA LSC-2201 180g} 24-bit/96kHz Vinyl Rip + Redbook CD Version

This is a Classic Records reissue of the RCA Living Stereo "Shaded Dog" release. The piece consists of a series of short compositions that do not require a strong structural musical knowledge to decipher. Originally written for piano and later orchestrated by Maurice Ravel, is a melodic, impressionistic sonic spectacular that one rarely tires of hearing. A "warhorse" in the true sense of the word, and when you hear this rich, sensuous recording from way back when, you'll wonder whether the art of recording has made progress, spun in circles, or gone backwards since 1957. There's nothing "old" sounding about it. This justly famous record shines on magnificently through the Classic Records' reissue. Much has been said and written about this performance. It's all true! The Chicago Symphony's ensemble is immaculate and the many solos are played with great distinction. This orchestra was full of stars, hired intelligently in the '50s by Rodzinski, Kubelik and Reiner. Peck, Still, Herseth, Farkas, Druzinsky, Jacobs and Brody, to name a few, play with an integrity and individual style that has seldom been matched. As such, the solos are phrased splendidly and enjoy flawless intonation. There are many great things to enjoy, but what really jumped out at me in this recording was Ravel's astonishingly good orchestration. We've all heard the music umpteen times, and, like many comfortable things, we tend to take it for granted. Reiner and his heroes will refresh your memory of Ravel's (and Moussorgsky's) genius with unassailable playing and a rich interpretation. Like all great things, it just seems right. The magic continues with the warm recorded sound. The soundstage is wide if not deep, and imaging is similar to the hall perspective. Some audiophiles seem to think that each section of the orchestra should be imaged and separated into blocks of sound. In reality, this is incorrect. From my view, Layton and Mohr get the blend just right. Turn the lights down and live the experience of goblins, troubadours, bustling markets, witches, caves and the squabbling of the rich and poor. It is a startling experience.

LP track listing

Modest Moussorgsky - Pictures at an Exhibition (orchestrated by Maurice Ravel)

Side One

1. "Promenade" - 1:47
2. "Gnomus" - 2:32
3. "Promenade" - 1:05
4. "Il vecchio castello" - 4:23
5. "Promenade" - 0:34
6. "Tuileries" - 0:58
7. "Bydlo" - 3:23
8. "Promenade" - 0:44
9. "Ballet of the Chicks in Their Shells" - 1:11
10. "Samuel Goldenburg and Schmuyle" - 2:14

Side Two

11. "The Market Place at Limoges" - 1:17
12. "Catacombae, sepulchrum romanum" - 1:56
13. "Con mortuis in lingua mortua" - 1:57
14. "The Hut on Fowl's Legs" - 3:25
15. "The Great Gate at Kiev" - 5:14


Released: 1958 [Classic Records reissue 1994]
Recorded: 1957
Genre: Classical
Length: 32:40
Label: RCA Living Stereo/Classic Records
Producers: Michael Hobson, Ying Tan

Personnel

Chicago Symphony Orchestra/Fritz Reiner, Conductor