Songs and Dances Of Death

1. The Nursery (Detskaya; 7), song cycle for voice & piano, edited by Rimsky-Korsakov No 1, S Nyanyei ("With the Nurse")
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
with Graham Johnson , Marjana Lipovsek

2. The Nursery (Detskaya; 7), song cycle for voice & piano, edited by Rimsky-Korsakov No 2, V Oogloo ("In the Corner")
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
with Graham Johnson , Marjana Lipovsek

3. The Nursery (Detskaya; 7), song cycle for voice & piano, edited by Rimsky-Korsakov No 3, Zhook ("The Beetle")
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
with Graham Johnson , Marjana Lipovsek

4. The Nursery (Detskaya; 7), song cycle for voice & piano, edited by Rimsky-Korsakov No 4, S Kookloi ("The Doll's Lullaby")
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
with Graham Johnson , Marjana Lipovsek

5. The Nursery (Detskaya; 7), song cycle for voice & piano, edited by Rimsky-Korsakov No 5, Na Son Gryadooshch ("The Evening Prayer")
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
with Graham Johnson , Marjana Lipovsek

6. The Nursery (Detskaya; 7), song cycle for voice & piano, edited by Rimsky-Korsakov No 7, Kot Matros (The Cat Sailor)
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
with Graham Johnson , Marjana Lipovsek

7. The Nursery (Detskaya; 7), song cycle for voice & piano, edited by Rimsky-Korsakov No 6, Poyekhal Na Palochkye ("The Hobby Horse")
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
with Graham Johnson , Marjana Lipovsek

8. Sunless (Bez solntsa; 6), song cycle for voice & piano (or orchestra) No. 1, Within Four Walls
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
with Graham Johnson , Marjana Lipovsek

9. Sunless (Bez solntsa; 6), song cycle for voice & piano (or orchestra) No. 2, In The Crowd
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
with Graham Johnson , Marjana Lipovsek

10. Sunless (Bez solntsa; 6), song cycle for voice & piano (or orchestra) No. 3, An End to the Futile, Hectic Day
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
with Graham Johnson , Marjana Lipovsek

11. Sunless (Bez solntsa; 6), song cycle for voice & piano (or orchestra) No. 4, Ennui
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
with Graham Johnson , Marjana Lipovsek

12. Sunless (Bez solntsa; 6), song cycle for voice & piano (or orchestra) No. 5, Elegy
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
with Graham Johnson , Marjana Lipovsek

13. Sunless (Bez solntsa; 6), song cycle for voice & piano (or orchestra) No. 6, On the River
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
with Graham Johnson , Marjana Lipovsek

14. Songs & Dances of Death (Pesni y plyaski smerti; 4), song cycle for voice & piano, edited by Rimsky-Korsakov No 2, Cradle Song
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
with Graham Johnson , Marjana Lipovsek

15. Songs & Dances of Death (Pesni y plyaski smerti; 4), song cycle for voice & piano, edited by Rimsky-Korsakov No 3, Serenade
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
with Graham Johnson , Marjana Lipovsek

16. Songs & Dances of Death (Pesni y plyaski smerti; 4), song cycle for voice & piano, edited by Rimsky-Korsakov No 1, Trepak
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
with Graham Johnson , Marjana Lipovsek

17. Songs & Dances of Death (Pesni y plyaski smerti; 4), song cycle for voice & piano, edited by Rimsky-Korsakov No 4, The Field-Marshal
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
with Graham Johnson , Marjana Lipovsek

18. Hebrew Song (Yevreyskaya pesnya), song for voice & piano
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
with Graham Johnson , Marjana Lipovsek

19. Mephistopheles' Song of the Flea, for voice & piano or orchestra, edited by Rimsky-Korsakov
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
with Graham Johnson , Marjana Lipovsek

20. Gopak (Hopak), song for voice & piano
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
with Graham Johnson , Marjana Lipovsek

Tracks:

Where Are You, Little Star?
Darling Savishna
I. With Nanny
II. In The Corner
III. The Beetle
IV. With The Doll
V. At Bedtime
VI. The Hobby-Horse
VII. The Cat 'Sailor'
Lullaby
I. Within Four Walls
II. You Did Not See Me In The Crowd
III. An End To The Futile, Hectic Day
IV. Ennui
V. Elegy
VI. On The River
King Saul
Hopak
The Wild Winds Blow
I. Trepak
II. Lullaby
III. Serenade
IV. The Field-Marshal
Mephistopheles' Song Of The Flea

Customer Reviews:

Something very special.......2004-04-21

The previous reviewer was pretty much spot on. Christoff is genuinely magnificent in these recordings, power and beauty coexist in his voice, and the deep emotion he expresses is made more powerful by being tempered by control. The accompaniment serves to showcase this voice and is more than adequate to this task. It is perhaps not always "Herbert Von Karajan" smooth, but this is probably no disadvantage, you could argue that this is in keeping with this selection of Mussorgsky's wonderful"rough hewn" folk flavoured music. As the previous reviewer indicated, this will appeal to fans of the unusual as it is in itself something remarkably different to almost anything I've heard before. I can say however that out of the 1000 + recordings I own, it is very probably the one I am most glad I purchased, and certainly one of my very favourites. Unfortunately I am probably preaching to the choir, as if you are reading this review you probably already enjoy Mussorgsky, or are at least familiar or interested in his work. You may also be a fan of Schubert's song cycles and Lieder.If that is the case then you should certainly enjoy this C.D. The sad point is that this recording should also appeal to people who as yet still believe that they have no interest in "Classical" music, and may never come across this recording. I would certainly recommend this to Tom Waits fans for a start, especially those who enjoyed his recent album "Alice",and also afficionados of Folk music, World music or the art of songwriting.
I know it's a cliche, but I'd have to give this 6 stars out of 5

Music to make you forget who you are for a minute.......2003-08-13

I was told about Christoff's 1950s recordings by a musician friend. I had heard a little bit about him, and was already
familiar with some of the Mussorgsky songs in another recording,
so figured I couldn't miss. To say that I was flabbergasted would be putting it lightly. The man was not only a superb singer - what control! what versatility! - he was a consummate actor. After all, they say he was the best Boris Godunov since Chaliapin - I believe it. But, to particulars: On the first half of this disc he is accompanied by a terrific pianist (whose name temporarily escapes me)and on the other half by the Orchestre de la Radiodiffusion Francaise, who are a tad ragged (as they often were) and undermiked at times but fine powerful accompaniment. If all you know of Mussorgsky is the Pictures - and you have a taste for the unusual - you owe it to yourself to pick this up. Your life will never be quite the same again, I guarantee it!

Top 100 Masterpieces of Classical Music (Collectors Edition) (Box Set)

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Top 100 Masterpieces of Classical Music (Collectors Edition) (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Delta
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ASIN: B00008L428
Release Date: 2003-02-13

Dmitri Hvorostovsky - Songs and Dances of Death / Gergiev

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ravishing !
Russia's Best!
The best russian performer
Dmitri at his darkest and most compelling
Breathtaking!

Dmitri Hvorostovsky - Songs and Dances of Death / Gergiev
Sergei Rachmaninov , Alexander Borodin , Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov , Sergey Rachmaninov , Anton Rubinstein , Valery Gergiev , and Dmitri Hvorostovsky
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000418A
Release Date: 1994-03-15

Tracks:

Sadko: 'Gorat kamennyj'; 'Gorat prekrasnyj'
Kashei The Immortal: 'Gluhaja noch'
Snow Maiden: 'Na t'oplam sinem more'
The Tsar's Bride: 'S uma nejdot krasvitsa!'
Prince Igor: 'Ni sna, ni otdyha izmuchennaj dushe'
The Demon: 'Ne plach dit'a'
The Demon: 'Na vazdushnam akeane'
The Demon: 'Ja tot, katoramu vnimala'
The Demon - Nero: ''Paju tebe, Boh Gimenej!'
Aleko: 'Ves' tabar spit'
Songs And Dances Of Death: Lulluaby
Songs And Dances Of Death: Serenade
Songs And Dances Of Death: 'Trepak'
Songs And Dances Of Death: The Field Marshal

Amazon.com essential recording

Mussorgsky's four songs known collectively as Songs and Dances of Death make up 20 minutes of the most intense storytelling in 19th-century song. At first, Hvorostovsky's voice seems almost too beautiful, his sound almost too youthful to fill out these narratives, but his concentration and breath control are so sensational that we realize what he's up to. He's spinning us seductively into the spooky world of these songs, where Death converses in turn with the mother of a dying child, a young girl, an old peasant, and dying soldiers; Hvorostovsky nicely changes his tone for each song. The rest of the CD is equally fine, with two arias from Anton Rubinstein's The Demon particularly compelling. Quite an adventure! --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

ravishing !.......2003-04-27

Out of my ever growing (15 recordings so far) Dmitri collection, this is one of the best, a cream of the crop CD, with a terrific selection of music, and the fabulous Siberian at his most intense and dramatic.
Recorded 9 years ago when he was 31, it is one of his earliest CDs, but from the start (listen to his amazing "Russian Romances" !), he sang with incredible maturity and vocal richness.

Valery Gergiev and the Kirov Orchestra provide perfect backing, with a good balance between orchestra and singer, lovely and lyrical for the melodious Tsar's Bride aria (my current favorite track), and with plenty of dazzle and muscle for the Moussorgsky pieces.
This is one of those CDs (and both Dmitri and Gergiev have a few of them), that captures the heart and soul of Russian music.

Russia's Best!.......2002-10-29

This is by far the most breathtaking interpretation of the Songs and Dances of Death by Mussorgsky you will ever hear! I have seen Hvorostovsky in concert twice and always yearn for more. His voice is just as incredible live. Every single aria on this disc is a jewell. You can feel the pathos and the agony of the Demon, the heartwrenching jelousy of Aleko, and the joyous abandonment of the singer in Nero. Hvorostovsky's voice is just as outstanding as Ghiurov's in his prime.
The choice of repertoire and Dmitri's interpretation makes this CD a must for those wishing to explore Russian opera. His impressive range allows him to sing at ease in both the baritone and bass tessitura. He will no doubt make an exciting Scarpia and an unforgettable Mephistophele (both Gounod's and Boito's)someday. I hope he considers these roles in the future!

The best russian performer.......2002-05-10

I want to say this: Dmitri is the best baritone in our days, but he is the best russian performer ever lived. You can hear all the fellings the song expresses, a beatiful, coloured voice with a magnificent sound. He is simply superb. The orchestra and the conductor are correct. Again, Dmitri is the most important presence in this Cd.

Dmitri at his darkest and most compelling.......2001-10-12

I couldn't agree more with Robert Levine and Stephen Ettinger's most informative reviews. Prior to purchasing this CD, I had read elsewhere that Hvorostovsky's upper register was in trouble on this album. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Having now heard the album I can happily report that Dmitri's upper, middle AND lower registers are perfectly equalized, and I strongly urge any doubting critics to retire gracefully. For this is a magnificent album from one of the most exciting baritones of the last 25 years. It ranks alongside Hvorostovsky's CD of the Sviridov song cycle, Russia Cast Adrift, as a celebration of sheer individualism in singing. Both albums display the hallmarks of this wonderful singer - the dark and intensely concentrated sound, the extraordinary breath control and superb attention to the phrasing. Just 31 when he recorded the present CD, Hvorostovsky brings such insight to his singing that he puts most of his contemporaries to shame. This album demonstrates everything that great singing should be: dazzling vocalism combined with innate feeling for the words.

Always at his best in the Russian repertoire, Hvorostovsky has chosen this programme wisely. He covers a wide range of moods, starting out with the joyous Venetian's Song from Rimsky-Korsakov's Sadko, and moving through some highly melodic works from Borodin and Rubinstein before arriving at Rachmaninov's darkly compelling Ves' Tabar Spit from the opera Aleko. For the latter he employs a more sombre style than the lustier approach favoured by, say, Ghiaurov, but this sets the scene well for the Songs and Dances of Death that follow.

These are the showpieces of the album, and I have never heard them more memorably performed. The variety of colours in Hvorostovsky's voice are a revelation, but what makes these songs stand out is the way he manages to convey so many different characters and moods. I loved the humour of his drunken peasant in the Trepak, and at the same time was thrilled by the terrifying power of his Field Marshall in the final song. These are truly astonishing performances.

As always, Hvorostovsky is provided with great support from conductor Valery Gergiev, and the sound quality is remarkably warm and vibrant. An unforgettable release and a must-have for anyone who loves great singing.

Breathtaking!.......1999-11-24

This is my favorite Dmitri Hvorostovsky CD. Not only he included the famous Russian opera arias for baritone, but he also added the magnificent "Songs and Dances of Death" by Modeste Mussorgsky brilliantly arranged for orchestra by Dmitri Shostakovich. Originally, Mussorgsky composed this terrifying masterpiece for different voices singing each piece, i.e. one for bass, one for tenor, one for contralto. Shostakovich decided to arrange it for orchestra for the Prima Donna of Bolshoi and his good friend Galina Vishnevskaya. He also made the pieces grimmer, so to speak, with his booming rhythmic percussion and "ticking clock" strings. In her book, Galina Vishnevskaya contrasts Shostakovich's terror of death to Mussorgsky's faithful acceptance of it.

Hearing Dmitri sing "Songs and Dances" in his baritone key is somewhat of a revelation. Not having the benefit of soprano's flying vocal pyrotechnics, Dmitri chose to put all the terror he could muster in his singing. On "Trepak" he resorts to folk song's vivacity and in "Field Marchall" he sings the voice of Death with suffocating anger towards the living. The "Serenade" sparkles with warm seductive sound and "Lullaby" sounds as it is sang by two different voices. It is indeed spine-chilling.

The rest of the album is just as impressive. The Rimsky-Korsakov and Borodin selections are a part of Russian traditional baritone repertoire; Hvoristovsky approaches them with utmost seriousness and dedication. The Rubinstein and Rachmaninov arias are rare, the ones from "Demon" and "Aleko" used to be sang by basses or bass/baritones, for example Nicolai Ghiaurov and George London. But Dmitri is able to hit the low notes just fine, thereby fending off some critic's preposterous remarks about his lower range. Actually he manages to sound like a lyric basso, which is quite an accomplishment. And the breath control on "Na Vozdushnom Okeane" is nothing short of remarkable. Valery Gergiev brings his trademark intensity and imaginative reading to the music and the Kirov Orchestra is in top shape. Somehow I think that transposing the Mussorgsky selections for the baritone was his idea. Btw, Dmitri's singing idol, the great Fyodor Chaliapin recorded only "Trepak" out of the whole song cycle. Thus Dmitri's is, in a sense, finishing what Chaliapin had started. As always, the Philips sound is wonderful and spacious. The booklet is informative, but a serious listener may want to do some more research. Personally I longed for Cyrillic texts, but the translations are pretty accurate, so that those unfamiliar with Russian could get an overall understanding, which is absolutely essential for this fascinating material.

Ewa Podles · Russian Arias
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Don't miss it!

Delectable!

TODO LO QUE ELLA CANTE ESTÁ BIEN

She's back!

Ewa Podles · Russian Arias
Ewa Podles , Alexander Borodin , Sergey Prokofiev , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Rodion Konstantinovich Shchedrin , Igor Stravinsky , Modest Mussorgsky , Constantine Orbelian , and Philharmonia of Russia
Manufacturer: Delos Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Rossini - Tancredi / Podles, Jo, Olsen, Spagnoli, di Micco, Lendi, Zedda

ASIN: B00006313Z
Release Date: 2002-04-02

Tracks:

Konchakovna's Cavatina
Young Maiden's Song (Field Of The Dead)
Joan's Aria
Voina's Arioso
Varvara's Limericks And Dance
Jocasta's Aria
Lullaby
Serenade
Trepak (Russian Dance)
The Field-Marshal

Customer Reviews:

Don't miss it!.......2004-03-31

Ewa Podles' voice is incredibly rich, her technic is astonishing and she sings so expressively that really brings tears in my eyes. She is definitely a diva and performs these wonderful pieces the way they should be performed. The booklet includes libretto with English translation, which is very helpful for those who don't speak Russian. However, the music and the performance are so emotive that can touch you even if you do't know the words.

Delectable!.......2003-01-15

This disc is altogether delectable. With few exceptions, Russian opera is little known or appreciated in this country. Perhaps, if it always had interpreters as stupendously capable as Ewa Podles, the story might be different. She is a true contralto, and, as such, more than capable of bringing appropriate power, flexibility and idiomatic darkness to these largely unfamiliar arias. Even more impressively, she uses her magnificent talent to get inside the character of each piece. The result is a virtuoso variety of texture. The sumptuous richness of her sound makes even the finest counter-tenors seem rather thin-voiced. Do not let the unfamiliarity of most of the pieces put you off. Full translations are provided, with the Russian being helpfully rendered in Roman letters. So, let this superrb and thrilling singer introduce you to some very fine music.

TODO LO QUE ELLA CANTE ESTÁ BIEN.......2002-09-07

Una voz tan impresionante como la de esta mujer, me deja sólo agradeciendo que exista, o que haya existido alguna vez, y que haya respirado, al mismo tiempo que yo, en este planeta. Por lo tanto, recomiendo absolutamente todo material que ella grabe. Es un placer, un poco de luz en medio de tanta oscuridad.

She's back!.......2002-07-01

The first time I heard Ewa Podles was in a live performance of Verdi's "Requiem". After that I've been buying all her records and trying to hear her live. I still don't understand how she is still ignored by the major record companies...
This CD of russian arias could not be rated less than extraordinary: if the voice itself wasn't enough - and it is more than enough - the interpretation would.

Galina Vishnevskaya Sings Shostakovich & Mussorgsky

Average customer rating:

A Wonderful Voice
Unforgettable!

Galina Vishnevskaya Sings Shostakovich & Mussorgsky

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Peter Lieberson: Neruda Songs
Artistry of Elly Ameling (Coll)

ASIN: B0001HAHQO
Release Date: 2004-03-23

Tracks:

I. Ophelia's Song
II. Gamayun, Bird Of Prophecy
III. We Are Together
IV. The City Sleeps
V. The Storm
VI. Secret Signs
VII. Music
I. To A Critic
II. The Awakening Of Spring
III. Descendants
IV. A Misunderstanding
V. Kreutzer Sonata
I. Lullaby
II. Serenade
III. Trepak
IV. The Field-Marshal
Spat Pora. Dyen Proshol
Zhereboyonok K Kobylke
Kto Eto, Kto, Kto Stuchit?
Ya Poydu...Proshcahay

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful Voice.......2007-05-24

I bought this CD during the Shostakovich Centennial and it filled a gap in my collection for the Alexander Blok and Satires, works written with Galina Vishnevskaya in mind. The performances were made during the late 1970's and are also interesting for the collaboration of Vishnevskaya's husband Mstislav Rostropovich, who plays the cello and piano and is the conductor for the Lady Macbeth selections.

The booklet recalls the comment by Ms. Vishnevskaya that she is "a music hall singer with an operatic voice," something that Dmitri Shostakovich understood when composing these songs. It would be easy in some of the songs to loose control (particularly when the singer must half-shout, half-shriek) with the demands that the composer places on the singer but Vishnevskaya takes it all in stride. She is also superb in the Mussorgsky Songs and Dances of Death that Shostakovich orchestrated but Vishnevskaya really shines in the scene from Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk. The disc includes only Act 1 Scene 3 but the scene is a pivotal one where Sergei (sung by Nicolai Gedda) seduces Katarina. I am familiar with the recording of the opera with Maria Ewing and, for drama and singing, this recording is truly excellent leaving one wanting for more.

The recordings have been nicely re-mastered and are a must for anyone interested in Shostakovich's music. The booklet includes the texts and a nice biography of Galina Vishnevskaya.

Unforgettable!.......2007-04-09

I was introduced both to Schostakovich and the "Blok Romances" when the recording was issued as a vinyl on the Seraphim label. At the time, I was absolutely entranced. My vinyl records went the way of the dodo, however, and by the time I had acquired a CD collection, I had lost track of who had performed the piece. I bought various versions of Shostakovich's "Romances," which were lovely, but none could compare to my memories of my original recording.

I was therefore absolutely thrilled when I discovered this CD with Vishnevskaya and Rostropovich, and as I listened to the first rich notes of "Ophelia's Song," I realized that I had found, not the lost chord, but my lost recording. Vishnevskaya's interpretation is unparalleled, as is that of Rostropovich and the other members of accompanying piano trio. This performance definitely belongs under the rubric of "Great Artists of the Century."

Personally, though, playing it was like welcoming back a long-lost and beloved friend.

Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition; Khovanschina Prelude; Songs and Dances of Death

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Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition; Khovanschina Prelude; Songs and Dances of Death

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0001TSWNM
Release Date: 2004-04-20

Russian 'Live' Recordings From The Sixties

Average customer rating:

Very important release
Viva Vishnevskaya

Russian 'Live' Recordings From The Sixties

Manufacturer: Melodiya
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Vishnevskaya, Galina | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Lullaby - Galina Vishnevskaya
Serenade - Galina Vishnevskaya
Trepak - Galina Vishnevskaya
The Field-Marshal - Galina Vishnevskaya
Ophelia's Song - David Oistrakh
Hamayun, The Prophetic Bird - David Oistrakh
We Were Together - David Oistrakh
The City Sleeps - David Oistrakh
Storm - David Oistrakh
Mysterious Sign - David Oistrakh
Music - David Oistrakh
To A Critic - Mstislav Rostropovitch
Spring's Awakening - Mstislav Rostropovitch
The Descendants - Mstislav Rostropovitch
Misunderstanding - Mstislav Rostropovitch
The Kreutzer Sonata - Mstislav Rostropovitch
The Sun Has Filled My Room - Mstislav Rostropovitch
True Tenderness - Mstislav Rostropovitch
Memory Of The Sun - Mstislav Rostropovitch
Greetings - Mstislav Rostropovitch
The King With Grey Eyes - Mstislav Rostropovitch

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Shostakovich's orchestrations for Mussorgsky's Songs & Dances of Death heightens the music's stark, desolate qualities, without shying away from ear-catching instrumental combinations. Galina Vishnevskaya's raw-nerve response to the texts and affinity for the composer's sound world border on the clairvoyant. Her husband is a better accompanist at the piano than on the podium, providing firm support in Shostakovich's Satires and Prokofiev's Five Poems by Anna Akhmatova. The world premier of Shostakovich's Seven Romances to Poems by Alexander Blok finds Mstislav Rostropovich at the cello where he belongs, playing as gorgeously as David Oistrakh. The violinist and the soprano, though, are not quite attuned to each other during their duet. An absorbing occasion, nonetheless, and kudos to Melodya for making these performances available for the first time. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Very important release.......2000-03-03

This CD comes with thorough liner notes, it is beneficial to read them before actually listening to the music. The reviewer below, obviously knowledgeable, attempts to praise this recording, but since he mixes in so much of vocal technique examination into it, the results are somewhat strange. I urge the classical music and opera fans to read the book "Galina" which is a brilliantly written autobiography, which is not only one person's life story, but also the picture of Russian times and events through the eyes of incredibly intelligent, witty, and emotional observer and participant. Reading it would help to fill in the blanks and understand the significance of this recording. First of all, the "Songs and Dances of Death" cycle was orchestrated by Shostakovich especially for Galina Vishnevskaya. His very close friend and one of the all-time musical giants Mstislav Rostropovich follows the score with utmost respect and precision. It's a great, unforgivable mistake to claim that he "belongs at the cello" as Ted Libbey suggests - Maestro Rostropovich is a fantastic conductor with impeccable musical instincts and phenomenal insight. Moreover, he might as well be the ONLY person to conduct these works because his personal affiliation with the composers allowed for unprecedented level of expertise. Just listen to his complete cycle of Shostakovich's symphonies or "Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk" for more examples of brilliant conducting.

The satires were written by Sasha Cherniy at the beginning of the century, but once set to music to Shostakovich they became a weapon against the Soviet regime and as a result subsequently banned, with a particular emphasis on "The Descendants".

Now, not only Vishnevskaya has the most expressive voice, it is also one of the most beautiful voices ever recorded. Hers is a true spinto without the usual "pushed up" meaning to it that characterizes most other spinto voices. As to Tebaldi, for instance, this sound came naturally to her and allowed for immense power and incredible vocal range. This recording with its customary Melodiya problems hardly does it justice. Turn to "Boris Godunov", "Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk", or "Turandot" to hear it at its full glory. Philips used to carry a great CD called "The Early Years"; look for it. No, she did not sing "too many Leonoras" -- that's a gross mistake; while Leonora in Fidelio was her Bolshoi leading role debut, her favorite role was Aida and with it she subjugated the greatest opera houses, MET included. Had you heard it, you would not guess it's the same voice! The so-called "ugly" overtones in Songs and Dances of Death are clearly done on purpose: Vishnevskaya here acts with her voice to imitate Death the character, making it terrifyingly vivid and real. Same goes for "shrieking" on fast passages, here she uses a folk-song like approach, emphasizing the close connection that Russian composers have to their roots. Had this disc included other Mussorgsky songs, particularly "Where art thou, little star?" everyone would be astonished how enchantingly beautiful her voice could be. Another example is her Liu in Turandot, when she sang opposite Franco Corelli and Birgit Nilsson; it's available both on Myto and Opera d'Oro. Finally, one of the greatest musical achievements is Britten's War Requiem. Once again, it was written FOR her voice and she set an unsurpassed standard for it. Power, grace, and fully involved approach to music are her trademarks, this CD is really a small example but it's extremely important in terms of first performances of great works of great composers.

Viva Vishnevskaya.......1999-11-11

What we have here is a result of a unique teamwork of musical giants of the 20th century. Shostakovich, Vishnevskaya, Prokofiev and Rostropovich are not the names one dismisses lightly (well, not in the Stalinism-free world). One uses here a term `team work' because at the time the items on this disk were recorded, an outstanding musical performance was conceded possible only as a result of a team effort. In this case a team of Galina Vishnevskaya and Mstislav Rostropovich. Though Vishnevskaya is a soloist, she is not a singer delivering pretty songs - she is an `instrument' contributing to the total framework of emotionally charged compositions. This music can only gain from such an approach. Hers is not a beautiful voice, but it is expressive and emotional.

In `Songs and Dances of Death' Vishnevskaya is not afraid to sound ugly if the mood of the song so requires. At the same time it is not simply `doom and gloom' that the singer strives for- but a more complex atmosphere of hopelessness and despair. (One tends to think that the reason for the lack of hilarity in Russian music accounts less for the idea that Russians are boring hypochondriacs and more for the fact that Russian life had generally showed (and still does) little happiness. Vishnevskaya has an extensive vocal palette and uses it abundantly in order to reach her goal. To see the singer's prowess in this field one only has to compare hers to the recordings of the cycle by Hvorostovsky.

The satires cycle is outstanding for its witty and sarcastic text and Shostakovich's clever use of popular melodies. It is a shame that the booklet does not include the text of the songs and just the resume - despite Vishnevskaya's expressiveness, people who do not speak the language are going to miss on some of the songs' impact.

What one finds questionable here is some aspects of Vishnevskaya's vocal technique - when sang at forte, her top notes become unsteady and, very often, shrill and wobbly (too many Leonores, perhaps?). She is better in the slower passages where she can expand her voice and float her higher notes with greater freedom.

These song-cycles offer an exceptional opportunity to hear music the way it was intended to be performed by the music's composers. Everything on this disk had been recorded live which adds to the atmosphere of excitement projected by the audience. Shostakovich's settings of Block songs is a world premier and what could be more exciting than listening to woman singing music which was dedicated to her! And she deserved the honour!

Mussorsky: Pictures at an Exhibition, etc.
Average customer rating:

Bernstein is highly original and personal in Pictures

Best recording I could find...

Mixed Bag

Mediocre Pictures....Good Songs and Dances

EXCELLENT! FANTASTIC!!

Mussorsky: Pictures at an Exhibition, etc.

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tracks:

Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade - Allegro giusto, nel modo russico; senza allegrezzo, ma poco sostenuto
Pictures At An Exhibition: I. Gnomus - Vivo
Pictures At An Exhibition: I. Promenade - Moderato comodo e con delicatezza
Pictures At An Exhibition: II. Il vecchio castello - Andante
Pictures At An Exhibition: II. Promenade - Moderato non tanto, pesante
Pictures At An Exhibition: III. Tuileries - Allegretto non troppo, capriccioso
Pictures At An Exhibition: IV. Bydlo - Sempre moderato, pesante
Pictures At An Exhibition: IV. Promenade - Tranquillo
Pictures At An Exhibition: V. Ballet des poussins dans leurs coques - Scherzino. Vivo leggiero
Pictures At An Exhibition: VI. Samuel Goldenberg And Schmuyle - Andante
Pictures At An Exhibition: VII. Limoges. Le Marche - Allegretto vivo, sempre scherzando
Pictures At An Exhibition: VIII. Catacombae. Sepulcum romanum - Largo
Pictures At An Exhibition: VIII. Cum mortuis in lingua mortua - Andante non troppo, con lamento
Pictures At An Exhibition: IX. La Cabane sur des pattes de poule - Allegro con brio, feroce - Andante mosso - Allegro molto
Pictures At An Exhibition: X. La grande porte de Kiev - Allegro alla breve. Maestoso. Con grandezza
St. John's Night On The Bare Mountain
Songs And Dances Of Death: I. Trepak
Songs And Dances Of Death: II. Lullaby
Songs And Dances Of Death: III. Serenade
Songs And Dances Of Death: IV. The Field Marshal

Customer Reviews:

Bernstein is highly original and personal in Pictures.......2007-02-20

Two things conspired to keep me from discovering this one-of-a-kind 'Pictures at an Exhibition' sooner. First, there are enough great recordings to go around from Reiner, Karajan, Stokowksi--name your own. Second, I assumed that Bernstien would conduct this thrice-familiar piece simply as a commercial duty. I was wrong: this is the most personal performance among the great ones. Bernstein has ideas and feelings in every section, and with the NY Phil. at its virtuosic best, the whole thing is an enchanting discovery.

Bernstein's secret is that he goes to the heart of the music rather than just conducting Ravel's brilliant orchestration. As a result, we feel we are looking at separate paintings on the wall, just as Mussorgsky intended, each with its own flavor, more often than not tinged with melancholy (after all, Mussorgsky's artist friend had died). Compared to this account, all the others I own seem a bit shallow and glittery--this one is pure soul.

The sound is impeccable in the current remastering, and we get two outstanding fillers. First, a thrilling Night on Bald Mountain that gives Stokowski's a run for its money while retaining more musical integrity. Second, Bernstein accompanies his great fried, mezzo Jennie Tourel, in four Songs and Dances of Death (in clean early Fifties mono). It's interesting to hear a non-Slavic voice in these pieces, and our two performers are so ebullient that they turn in one of the least grim versions on disc.

Best recording I could find..........2004-03-19

After going through 8 different recordings of this Pictures at an Exhibition, I concluded that this one is the best of the lot. All the others were somewhat (or extremely) lackluster. This one is much more alive. I recommend it!

Mixed Bag.......2000-11-13

Bernstein's "Pictures at an Exhibition" is somewhat lackluster and flat sounding. I own a Stanley Black recording on vinyl that sounds better than this piece! However, "Songs and Dances of Death" is very good and may be worthwhile to you.

Mediocre Pictures....Good Songs and Dances.......2000-10-24

Songs and Dances of Death, here performed by Bernstein and Jennie Tourel, is the only reason why anyone would need this CD. However, given the relative brevity of the piece, it really can't save the entire CD. Bernstein's Pictures at an Exhibition is fairly mediocre...3 stars at best. For a more satisfying recording, try Fritz Reiner conducting the Chicago Symphony on RCA's Living Stereo series. Though by now a cliché, the Chicago brass is really amazing in that recording. By comparison, the New York brass seems pinched and small. Just compare the trumpet solos on the first tracks of both CDs. Herseth (of Chicago) displays great control as always over his instrument, while the New York principal's high notes sound wobbled. And that's only 15 seconds into the CD!! The Reiner CD also includes Mussorgsky's Night on the Bare Mountain along with many other Russian show-pieces like Tchaikovsky's Marche Slave. Best of all is that the RCA CD costs just as much as the Bernstein CD!! Therefore, unless you are looking for a recording of the Songs and Dances of Death (mono recording here, by the way), you can do much better than this CD.

EXCELLENT! FANTASTIC!!.......1999-06-22

Just the Pictures on a Exhibition would have been worth it, but with the added Songs and Dances of Death, this CD is truly amazing. Get this CD.

Average customer rating:

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Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
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Mussorgsky: Songs and Dances of Death; Rachmaninov: Symphonic Dances

Average customer rating:

Two Russian Gems

Mussorgsky: Songs and Dances of Death; Rachmaninov: Symphonic Dances

Manufacturer: Warner Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 2005-05-24

Tracks:

Songs and Dances of Death -- Mussorgsky
Symphonic Dances -- Rachmaninov

Album Description

This CD was recorded at the 2004 London Proms; the St. Petersburg Philharmonic, Yuri Termirkanov, and the acclaimed Russian baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky are ideal protagonists in this dramatic Russian repertoire. The St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra is the oldest symphony orchestra in Russia and for the first time in the orchestra's history, they were able to select their own director. Yuri Termirkanov was appointed Artistic Director and Principal Conductor.

Customer Reviews:

Two Russian Gems.......2007-01-06

I initially ordered this CD for the featured "Songs and Dances of Death" by Mussorgsky. It's always been one of my favorite song cycles. And in this gorgeous presentation by Yuri Temirkanov, I wasn't at all disappointed! (I'd never heard an orchestral version of the original piano accompaniment, but shouldn't have been surprised at its moody transformation by such a master as Dimitri Shostakovitch!) The "bonus" recording of Rachmaninov's "Symphonic Dances" was a real stunner -- a stylish rendition of a work that's sadly underplayed, in my opinion. My only complaint -- a damaged jewel case that makes opening and closing the CD a bit of a challenge.

Track Listings:

Track Listings

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