Modest Moussorgsky • The Power of the Orchestra
Analogue Productions/RCA Victor AAPC 2659-45
Two 45-RPM 180 g LPs
This record consists of two pieces by Modest Moussorgsky: A Night on Bare Mountain, and Pictures at an Exhibition. The former was inspired by a story of witches that assembled on the titular Bare Mountain to jabber and disport themselves pending Satan’s arrival. Once he appeared, the witches formed a circle around his throne and glorified him until he was sufficiently stimulated by their praise. Then, he would give the signal for the Sabbath to begin.
Pictures at an Exhibition is a suite of ten pieces Moussorgsky was inspired to write after attending a memorial exhibition of his friend, Russian painter and architect, Victor Hartmann. Originally written for the piano, Pictures at an Exhibition was orchestrated in 1922 by Maurice Ravel.
The two pieces, both performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by René Leibowitz, were originally recorded in 1962 by Ken “Wilkie” Wilkinson and remastered by George Mariano at Sterling Sound, the sound quality of these two discs is fantastic. With huge dynamic swings, aided no doubt by being pressed at 45-RPM, this record certainly lives up to its name! Hall acoustics are well captured, as is the sound of the orchestra. The big bass drum on The Great Gate of Kiev is spectacular. This is one of those records that demands being listened to at a realistic level (i.e., fairly loud), and I highly recommended it!