Ravel: Bolero; Debussy, Mussorgsky / Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

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Music reviews of Ravel: Bolero; Debussy, Mussorgsky / Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

Music Review: There are better recordings of Pictures
Rating: 3 Stars

If, on the other hand, you are looking for "Pictures", look elsewhere. The Chicago Symphony under Reiner is the best recording I have found. Next to that, this version just doesn't compare. First of all, the opening Promenade has an uneven sound quality. It almost sounds like the trumpets are switching off on the solo. Not only that, but the trumpet seems to have an unusual buzz in his sound. It's really not pleasant to listen to. This is compounded by Karajan's slow tempos - the opening "Promenade" isn't too bad, but the others just drag. "Gnomus" is played brilliantly in places, but it lacks the twisting, wicked sound of the violins found in the CSO under Reiner. "The Old Castle", however, is one of the CD's strongest tracks. In "Samuel Goldenberg", I was once again displeased with the trumpet. He needs to get control of his tonguing and let some sound out. I know the solo is high and difficult and staccato - I play trumpet myself - but it just sounds ugly. The notes are spit out with little attention to quality and a few bobbles. "Limoges", "Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks", and "Tuileries" all lacked the playfulness found with the CSO, while "Baba Yaga" just was not vicious enough for my tastes. "The Great Gate" some of you may really enjoy. It is more calm and less brassy than the CSO version. However, the trumpet is yet again a problem. Either he's shaking and having trouble controlling the notes, or he's putting way too much vibrato in where it's not needed or wanted.

Most of the problems I have with this "Pictures" are interpretational - the BPO does overall play quite well. Some of you will disagree with my notion of how the suite should sound and for you, this might be an excellent recording. I, however, don't like this version very much. I enjoy much more the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Reiner, and also Ashkenazy's piano and orchestral versions.

Description of Ravel: Bolero; Debussy, Mussorgsky / Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

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