Immerse yourself in the captivating world of classical music with Sir Simon Rattle's 2008 album, "Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition - Borodin: Symphony No. 2 & Polovtsian Dances." This remarkable collection, released under Warner Classics, showcases the extraordinary talent of the Berlin Philharmonic and the insightful direction of Sir Simon Rattle.
The album is a harmonious blend of two distinct yet equally compelling works. The first half is dedicated to Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition," a suite that paints vivid musical landscapes, each piece a unique tableau brought to life by Ravel's orchestration. From the whimsical "Gnomus" to the haunting "Catacombae," and the dramatic "The Hut on Hen's Legs," Rattle guides the listener through a journey of sound and emotion.
The second half of the album features Borodin's "Symphony No. 2 in B Minor," a piece that Rattle clearly holds dear. The symphony is a masterclass in orchestration, with each movement offering a different facet of Borodin's genius. From the dramatic opening to the rollicking finale, Rattle's affection for the work shines through. The album concludes with the lively "Polovtsian Dances" from Borodin's opera "Prince Igor," providing a thrilling end to this musical journey.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes, this album is a testament to the enduring power of classical music. Whether you're a seasoned concertgoer or a newcomer to the genre, Sir Simon Rattle's interpretation of these timeless pieces is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade I (Orch. Ravel, M. A 24)Modest Mussorgsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition: No. 2, GnomusMaurice Ravel, Modest Mussorgsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition: No. 3, Promenade II (Moderato commodo assai e con delicatezza)Modest Mussorgsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition: Il. Il vecchio castello (Orch. Ravel, M. A 24)Modest Mussorgsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition: No. 5, Promenade III (Moderato non tanto e pesamente)Modest Mussorgsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition: III. Tuileries (Orch. Ravel, M. A 24)Modest Mussorgsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition: No. 7, BydloModest Mussorgsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition: No. 8, Promenade IV (Tranquillo)Modest Mussorgsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition: V. Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks (Orch. Ravel, M. A 24)Modest Mussorgsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition: No. 10, Samuel Goldenberg und Schmuyle - Promenade VModest Mussorgsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition: VII. Limoges, le marché (Orch. Ravel, M. A 24)Modest Mussorgsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition: VIII. Catacombae, sepulcrum romanum (Orch. Ravel, M. A 24)Modest Mussorgsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition: No. 13, Cum mortuis in lingua mortuaModest Mussorgsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition: X. The Hut on Fowl's Legs "Baba Yaga" (Orch. Ravel, M. A 24)Modest Mussorgsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Mussorgsky / Orch. Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition: XI. The Knight's Gate in the Old Capital of KievModest Mussorgsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Borodin: Symphony No. 2 in B Minor: I. Allegro moderatoAlexander Borodin, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Borodin: Symphony No. 2 in B Minor: II. Scherzo. Molto vivo - Trio. AllegrettoAlexander Borodin, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Borodin: Symphony No. 2 in B Minor: III. AndanteAlexander Borodin, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Borodin: Symphony No. 2 in B Minor: IV. Finale. AllegroAlexander Borodin, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Borodin: Prince Igor, Act 2: Polovtsian Dances (Instrumental Version)Alexander Borodin, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Mussorgsky: Khovanshchina, Act 1: Prelude. Dawn Over the Moscow RiverModest Mussorgsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
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