Editorial Reviews

Deutsche Grammophon's compilation album entitled Pictures at an Exhibition delivers Mussorgsky's headlining work as well as other Russian favorites in a way sure to satisfy listeners. Mussorgsky is treated to an energetic, precise performance by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Carlo Maria Giulini. One of the most notable aspects of this orchestra's performance is of course the remarkable brass section; chorales in the "Catacombs" and "Great Gate of Kiev" are particularly grand. The rest of the CD also features performances by some of the world's best orchestras and conductors. Berlin's "Night on Bald Mountain" is astoundingly brisk but masterfully controlled. Khachaturian's instantly identifiable "Sabre Dance" rounds out the selections of Russian "No. 1 Hits." Deutsche Grammophon takes another, welcomed step forward by including several works that may not be universally familiar to listeners just getting their feet wet. In the same spirit with other works on the program, Borodin's "Polovtsian Dances," Mussorgsky's "Coronation of Boris," and Khachaturian's "Dance of the Highlanders" are given equally superior, passionate performances. Those looking for first-time exposure to some of the crowd-pleasers of the Russian orchestral literature certainly cannot go wrong with this anthology. Mike Brownell, All Music Guide

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